PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ:PMCB) is a biotechnology company focused on developing cellular therapies for cancer, diabetes, and malignant ascites. The company's proprietary technology, known as "Cell-in-a-Box®," aims to encapsulate genetically engineered live human cells to produce various biologically active molecules. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of several debilitating conditions.
Business Overview
PharmaCyte's primary focus is on developing therapies for pancreatic and other solid cancerous tumors. The company's strategy involves using genetically engineered live human cells that can convert a cancer prodrug into its cancer-killing form. These cells are then encapsulated using the Cell-in-a-Box® technology and placed near the tumor, with the goal of optimizing the killing of the patient's cancerous tumor when the cancer prodrug is administered.
In addition to its cancer programs, PharmaCyte is also working on a potential therapy for Type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes. The company's product candidate for the treatment of diabetes consists of encapsulated genetically modified insulin-producing cells, which are designed to function as a bio-artificial pancreas for insulin production when implanted in the body.
Furthermore, PharmaCyte has been developing a way to delay the production and accumulation of malignant ascites, a common complication of many types of abdominal cancerous tumors. The company's approach involves using the same encapsulated cells employed for pancreatic cancer, but placing them in the peritoneal cavity of the patient and administering ifosfamide intravenously.
Investigational New Drug Application and Clinical Hold
In September 2020, PharmaCyte submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a planned clinical trial in locally advanced, inoperable, non-metastatic pancreatic cancer (LAPC). However, in October 2020, the FDA placed the company's IND on clinical hold. The FDA requested that PharmaCyte address several issues, including providing additional sequencing data, conducting stability studies, evaluating the compatibility of delivery devices, and conducting a large animal study, among other requirements.
PharmaCyte has assembled a team of experts to address the FDA's requests and is working diligently to complete the necessary studies and provide the requested information. The company has already completed several of the required studies, such as the pilot study in two pigs, and is evaluating the preliminary data before commencing the larger study of 90 pigs. The company is committed to addressing the FDA's concerns and is confident in its ability to have the clinical hold lifted.
Financials
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 2023, PharmaCyte reported an annual net loss of $4,315,993 and no revenue. The company's annual operating cash flow and free cash flow were both -$3,793,731. These financial results reflect the company's continued investment in research and development activities, as well as the costs associated with addressing the FDA's clinical hold.
In the most recent quarter, the three months ended January 31, 2024, PharmaCyte reported a net loss of $619,537 and no revenue. The company's quarterly operating cash flow and free cash flow were both -$1,818,499. These quarterly results demonstrate the ongoing challenges the company faces in advancing its pipeline of cell-based therapies.
Liquidity
As of January 31, 2024, PharmaCyte had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $61 million, compared to $73 million as of January 31, 2023. The company's working capital stood at approximately $62 million as of January 31, 2024, compared to $68 million as of January 31, 2023.
In May 2023, PharmaCyte entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, raising $35 million through the issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock and warrants. This infusion of capital is expected to provide the company with the necessary resources to continue its research and development efforts, including addressing the FDA's clinical hold on its IND for the LAPC program.
Additionally, in November 2023, PharmaCyte entered into a separate agreement to purchase a $5 million convertible note and warrants from Femasys Inc., further strengthening its financial position and diversifying its investment portfolio.
Risks and Challenges
PharmaCyte faces several risks and challenges in its pursuit of developing cell-based therapies. The company's reliance on its relationship with SG Austria and its subsidiaries, which hold the proprietary know-how related to the Cell-in-a-Box® technology, poses a significant risk. Any disruption or change in this relationship could have a material adverse effect on the company's operations and development programs.
Furthermore, the FDA's clinical hold on PharmaCyte's IND for the LAPC program represents a significant hurdle that the company must overcome. The time and resources required to address the FDA's concerns and have the clinical hold lifted could result in delays and increased costs, which could ultimately impact the company's ability to bring its therapies to market.
The company's history of operating losses and the inherent uncertainties associated with the development of novel, cell-based therapies also present challenges in securing additional funding and maintaining investor confidence. PharmaCyte's ability to successfully navigate these complexities will be crucial to its long-term success.
Guidance and Outlook
PharmaCyte has not provided any formal guidance or outlook for the future. The company's focus remains on addressing the FDA's clinical hold and continuing the development of its cell-based therapy pipeline. The success of these efforts will be critical in determining the company's path forward and its ability to bring its innovative treatments to patients in need.
Conclusion
PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. is a biotechnology company with a unique and promising approach to developing cell-based therapies for a range of debilitating conditions. The company's proprietary Cell-in-a-Box® technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of cancer, diabetes, and malignant ascites. However, the company faces significant challenges, including the FDA's clinical hold on its LAPC program and the complexities inherent in the development of novel, cell-based therapies.
As PharmaCyte navigates these obstacles, its ability to address the FDA's concerns, maintain its relationship with SG Austria, and secure the necessary funding will be crucial to its long-term success. Investors and stakeholders will closely monitor the company's progress as it works to bring its innovative treatments to market and fulfill its mission of improving the lives of patients.