Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies — Poised to progress to Phase II pending raise

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (LSE: OCTP)

Last close As at 03/05/2024

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Market capitalisation

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Research: Healthcare

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies — Poised to progress to Phase II pending raise

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCT) has announced the completion of its Phase I trial, a single ascending dose study for its lead drug candidate, OCT461201. The results of the Phase I study demonstrated safety and tolerability across the tested doses and OCT will prepare to proceed to Phase II provided it is able to raise funds in a timely manner. We continue to expect the subsequent Phase II trial to be conducted in patients with neuropathic pain associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and visceral pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Based on our current estimates, we project a cash runway to Q424.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

Healthcare

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies

Poised to progress to Phase II pending raise

Clinical update

Pharma and biotech

12 October 2023

Price

0.82p

Market cap

£8m

Net cash (£m) at 30 April 2023

2.3

Shares in issue

960.4m

Free float

62.8%

Codes

OCTP, OCTHF

Primary exchanges

LSE, OTC QB (US)

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies is a UK drug development company focused on advancing cannabinoid medicines for the treatment of pain and other indications. Its lead asset is OCT461201, a CB2 selective agonist to be investigated for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with CIPN and visceral pain in IBS as initial pain indications.

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Jitisha Malhotra

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Dr Arron Aatkar

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCT) has announced the completion of its Phase I trial, a single ascending dose study for its lead drug candidate, OCT461201. The results of the Phase I study demonstrated safety and tolerability across the tested doses and OCT will prepare to proceed to Phase II provided it is able to raise funds in a timely manner. We continue to expect the subsequent Phase II trial to be conducted in patients with neuropathic pain associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and visceral pain in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Based on our current estimates, we project a cash runway to Q424.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

04/22

0.0

(5.1)

(0.49)

0.0

N/A

N/A

04/23

0.0

(7.0)

(0.61)

0.0

N/A

N/A

04/24e

0.0

(2.9)

(0.25)

0.0

N/A

N/A

04/25e

0.0

(9.9)

(0.87)

0.0

N/A

N/A

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

Initial patient dosing of OCT’s Phase I trial of its lead asset (OCT461201) occurred in July 2023. This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using a single ascending dose protocol. The trial recruited 32 healthy volunteers from Simbec Research (part of Simbec-Orion Group) to assess the safety and tolerability of OCT461201 and provide key information on its pharmacokinetic profile to confirm its value as a potential drug. Patients were split into four cohorts of eight and randomised (3:1) to receive either OCT461201 (six patients per cohort) or placebo (two patients per cohort). The final dose for this study was administered on 20 September, followed by a formal review of the clinical data on 2 October.

With the successful completion of this Phase I trial of OCT461201, consistent with management’s previously guided timeline of Q4 CY23, the asset can advance to Phase II readiness. We continue to believe that the subsequent Phase II trials will target two indications: neuropathic pain associated with CIPN and visceral pain in IBS. We note that the CIPN and IBS treatment markets are projected to be worth approximately US$1.17bn by 2028 and US$4.7bn by 2030, respectively. We also understand that there is potential to leverage the Phase I result as a platform to explore additional indications in the future. However, we note that clinical advancement rests on the company’s ability to raise funds in a timely manner. Based on our projections, we estimate that OCT has a cash runway to Q424, as discussed in detail in our recent note.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies. 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.

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United Kingdom

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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 Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies. 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

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