Mendus — Management update on vididencel in AML

Mendus (OMX: IMMU)

Last close As at 12/10/2024

SEK7.90

−0.20 (−2.47%)

Market capitalisation

SEK398m

More on this equity

Research: Healthcare

Mendus — Management update on vididencel in AML

Mendus has provided an update on its development plans for its lead cancer vaccine, vididencel, primarily targeting the acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) maintenance setting. Management expects to share updated survival data in Q423 for its ongoing ADVANCE II trial, consistent with prior guidance; vididencel is being investigated as a monotherapy for AML maintenance. Management also intends to maximise the potential of vididencel by preparing for a Phase II combination study with Onureg, the only approved AML maintenance drug to date. We view the company’s previously disclosed strategy of prioritising a combination study as a sensible and logical step forward for vididencel’s clinical development, and continue to believe that combination treatment regimens (as noted in our AML thematic report) will be important for clinical breakthroughs in oncology. Therefore, the anticipated H223 commencement of the planned Phase II trial represents a key near-term milestone for Mendus, in our view.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

Mendus_resized

Healthcare

Mendus

Management update on vididencel in AML

Operational update

Pharma and biotech

28 June 2023

Price

SEK0.54

Market cap

SEK109m

SEK10.9/US$

Net debt at 31 March 2023 (excluding proposed fund-raise in June 2023)

SEK46.0m

Shares in issue (excluding proposed fund-raise in June 2023)

202.7m

Free float

37%

Code

IMMU

Primary exchange

Nasdaq Stockholm

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

Mendus is a clinical-stage immunoncology company based in Sweden and the Netherlands. The company specialises in allogeneic dendritic cell biology and currently has two lead cell-based, off-the-shelf therapies for haematological and solid tumours.

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Dr Arron Aatkar

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Mendus is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Mendus has provided an update on its development plans for its lead cancer vaccine, vididencel, primarily targeting the acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) maintenance setting. Management expects to share updated survival data in Q423 for its ongoing ADVANCE II trial, consistent with prior guidance; vididencel is being investigated as a monotherapy for AML maintenance. Management also intends to maximise the potential of vididencel by preparing for a Phase II combination study with Onureg, the only approved AML maintenance drug to date. We view the company’s previously disclosed strategy of prioritising a combination study as a sensible and logical step forward for vididencel’s clinical development, and continue to believe that combination treatment regimens (as noted in our AML thematic report) will be important for clinical breakthroughs in oncology. Therefore, the anticipated H223 commencement of the planned Phase II trial represents a key near-term milestone for Mendus, in our view.

Year
end

Revenue
(SEKm)

PBT*
(SEKm)

EPS*
(SEK)

DPS
(SEK)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/21

0.0

(133.4)

(0.73)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/22

3.4

(138.8)

(0.70)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/23e

0.0

(133.6)

(0.67)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/24e

0.0

(145.3)

(0.72)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Management’s webcast (on 27 June 2023) provided an overview and update on the clinical development of vididencel. The ongoing ADVANCE II trial (n=20) is investigating the cancer vaccine as a potential monotherapy in AML maintenance, and is currently in the long-term follow-up stage. The target population for this study is patients who have responded to previous therapy and are in complete remission, but still harbouring measurable residual disease. The company reaffirmed that at a median follow-up of 19.4 months, median relapse-free survival had not been reached. 12 out of the 20 patients enrolled were still in complete disease remission, and median overall survival was recorded as 30.9 months. These data remain encouraging, in our view, and suggest a potentially competitive profile versus Onureg (oral azacitidine), the current standard of care. Updated median relapse-free survival data are expected in Q423, and we believe this may represent a significant catalyst for the company.

Mendus is currently planning a Phase II study to assess vididencel in combination with Onureg. Management has communicated that it would include the same patient population as the ADVANCE II trial, patients who have gone into complete disease remission following first-line induction chemotherapy. This study, expected to commence in H223, will initially involve a small number of patients, randomised to receive either vididencel in combination with Onureg, or Onureg alone. Patients will be monitored across a period of 18–24 months, and if the interim data are supportive, this would then be expanded into a pivotal trial lasting 24–36 months further. We note that management may also consider exploring additional haematological malignancies throughout the duration of this combination study. For more information on ongoing clinical activities involving vididencel, and the AML maintenance treatment landscape, we direct readers to our Outlook note.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Mendus and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Mendus. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Mendus and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Mendus. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

More on Mendus

View All

Latest from the Healthcare sector

View All Healthcare content

Research: Healthcare

Sequana Medical — Additional POSEIDON data confirm benefits

Sequana Medical has reported additional data on safety, quality of life (QoL) and survival from the POSEIDON North American open-label pivotal study assessing the company’s implantable alfapump device in patients with recurrent and refractory ascites (RRA) due to liver cirrhosis. The company previously reported in Q422 that the study met the primary efficacy endpoint, and that the primary safety endpoints were in line with expectations. The additional data, reported at the EASL Congress 2023, show that alfapump was effective in controlling ascites, by virtually eliminating the need for needle paracentesis. Sequana also confirmed that the additional safety data were in line with expectations, while a clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement in patients’ QoL was also shown through validated and pre-specified health survey questionnaires. We believe that the additional data suggest a strong clinical and commercial profile, and support the likelihood of US alfapump approval.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free