Stock picking in a broadening market – a conversation with Randy Baron of Pinnacle Associates

Immuno-oncology (IO) has transformed cancer treatment, shifting the paradigm from cytotoxic and targeted therapies to immune-driven disease control (harnessing the body’s own immune system). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), CAR-T cell therapies and cancer vaccines have produced durable responses in defined patient populations; however, the first wave of IO is approaching clinical and commercial saturation. ICI response rates remain limited to c 20–40% in solid tumours, while CAR-T therapies, despite curative potential in haematological malignancies, are restricted by high cost, complex manufacturing, immune-related toxicities and lower efficacy in solid tumours. Earlier cancer vaccines also failed to show consistent benefit. These constraints are driving next-generation approaches, focused on platforms that actively programme immune responses, rather than simply releasing inhibitory checkpoints. This report examines key innovation vectors shaping the next phase for this sector.

Sareum Holdings has restarted the Phase II-enabling toxicology programme for SDC-1801.

For any income-focused investor moving from initial interest to active consideration of adding a stock to their portfolio, it is advisable to interrogate the extent to which the company’s strategy is supported by a durable and mathematically sound shareholder return framework.

Will they secure the dividend and fund buybacks?

An analysis for income-focused investors

For any major integrated energy company, the central challenge is clear: deliver competitive shareholder returns today while navigating the complexities of the global energy transition. bp has announced a "fundamental update" of its strategy—a decisive answer to this challenge that reflects decades of leadership experience and the imperative to deliver strong performance for shareholders.

Here’s the scorecard to watch

Unlocking investment opportunities in blockchain equities

Unlocking investment opportunities in blockchain equities

In this interview, we discuss with Scancell Holdings’ chief medical officer, Dr Nermeen Varawalla, the evolving immune oncology landscape and the increasingly important role of therapeutic vaccines, in particular as combination treatments with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nermeen also highlights the company’s two distinct vaccine platforms and the recently presented promising Phase II data from Scancell’s lead asset iSCIB1+ in advanced melanoma, which supports accelerated progression to Phase III trials in 2026. Nermeen ended the interview outlining the upcoming catalysts for the company in the next 12– 18 months.

Scancell Holdings (AIM: SCLP) is a UK-based clinical-stage biotech company developing off-the-shelf active immunotherapies against cancer using two proprietary platforms, ImmunoBody (DNA vaccines) and Moditope (peptide vaccines). Its lead candidate from the ImmunoBody platform, iSCIB1+, has reported promising Phase II data in advanced melanoma, with clear synergies when combined with ICIs. Its lead asset from the Moditope platform, Modi-1, is being tested in solid tumours.

Unlocking investment opportunities in blockchain equities

Unlocking investment opportunities in blockchain equities

Unlocking investment opportunities in blockchain equities