Waking up to the news that Bristol Myers Squibb is partnering with Eisai throws more light on Big Pharma's desire to play in the cancer space.
Under the terms of the deal, $200 million of the upfront fee will pay Eisai's research and development costs. Eisai would also be eligible for up to
$2.5 billion in milestone payments. If successful, the partners will jointly commercialize the drug in the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S., Canada, Europe and Russia.
I highly recommend you read more about the deal and recent M&A activity by clicking here :
Bristol Myers partners with Eisai in $650M deal for targeted cancer antibody
What makes the sale even more compelling from an analytical perspective is that Eisai's drug is currently in the early stages of human testing in Japan and the U.S., where researchers are evaluating it in solid tumors positive for folate receptor-alpha, which include endometrial, ovarian, lung and breast cancers. In a statement, the companies said next year they plan to begin late-stage trials that could be used to support approval.
This should silence many cynics on these IMU threads and in the broader media in general, who have suggested drugs in Phase 1 and Phase 2 are not marketable, not worthy of significant Market Cap and not in the running for licensing deals and takeover activity. For one could indeed well argue that Imugene’s trials are far more advanced, and even more encouraging, than that of Eisai’s. We only need look at Her Vaxx (Phase 2 trials nearing completion), PD1 (Phase 1 trials succeeding) and CF33 (shooting the lights out pre clinically).
Not to mention CD19.
Maybe it's time for the cynics to take a look in the mirror. Hugh Mackay, perhaps our most experienced social researcher recently spoke of cynics in the following terms, when he said :
The cynic is the person who is on the sidelines. The cynic is the person who is hoping for the worst. The cynic is the person who is not cheering us on and encouraging us and promoting kindness, but saying "Isn't it pathetic you know, all these people all busy climbing the greasy pole, I love watching all that you know"....
The cynic is destructive, self destructive and socially destructive, because to have such a negative view, such a feeling of pleasure at other people's misfortune, sneering rather than smiling, is not only a terrible way to live, but it can also discourage the rest of us.
Well don't be discouraged fellow long term IMU holders. The Imugene train is about to leave the station. The drivers are experienced and the journey is going to be a long and fruitful one. And for those still looking in the mirror, open your eyes to the plethora of opportunities IMU offers cancer sufferers and investors alike. Then take one step forward, and Hop On Board!
(20min delay)