OSE Immunotherapeutics — Timely FR104/VEL-101 update with Phase II plans

OSE Immunotherapeutics (PAR: OSE)

Last close As at 01/11/2024

EUR10.24

0.18 (1.79%)

Market capitalisation

EUR220m

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Research: Healthcare

OSE Immunotherapeutics — Timely FR104/VEL-101 update with Phase II plans

OSE Immunotherapeutics (OSE) has shared a positive update on the FIRsT clinical trial assessing FR104/VEL-101 (an anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody) as a maintenance therapy for kidney transplant patients. Long-term maintenance therapy in kidney transplant patients remains an ongoing medical need that has seen little progression in the last 20 years. Although OSE is in the early stages of clinical development, we believe there could be a significant opportunity. Encouragingly, the results show no safety concerns with FR104/VEL-101 treatment (seven patients for 12 months post-transplantation, and one ongoing at four months) and no cases of acute rejection, both of which are key objectives for this Phase I/II trial. While the FIRsT study involves a relatively small group size (eight evaluable patients), we believe the update is encouraging, and note that Veloxis Pharmaceuticals (OSE’s partner for this programme) is already preparing for a subsequent Phase II trial involving a larger patient population. We expect full results from the FIRsT study after all patients have completed the 12-month treatment protocol, most likely in H224.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

OSE-Immunotherapeutics_resized

Healthcare

OSE Immunotherapeutics

Timely FR104/VEL-101 update with Phase II plans

Clinical update

Pharma and biotech

12 December 2023

Price

€4.03

Market cap

€87m

€0.94/US$

Pro-forma net debt (€m) at 30 June 2023 (including September equity raise)

8.2

Shares in issue

21.7m

Free float

65%

Code

OSE

Primary exchange

Euronext Paris

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

OSE Immunotherapeutics is based in Nantes and Paris in France and is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange. It is developing immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumours and autoimmune diseases and has established several partnerships with large pharma companies.

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Dr Arron Aatkar

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

OSE Immunotherapeutics is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

OSE Immunotherapeutics (OSE) has shared a positive update on the FIRsT clinical trial assessing FR104/VEL-101 (an anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody) as a maintenance therapy for kidney transplant patients. Long-term maintenance therapy in kidney transplant patients remains an ongoing medical need that has seen little progression in the last 20 years. Although OSE is in the early stages of clinical development, we believe there could be a significant opportunity. Encouragingly, the results show no safety concerns with FR104/VEL-101 treatment (seven patients for 12 months post-transplantation, and one ongoing at four months) and no cases of acute rejection, both of which are key objectives for this Phase I/II trial. While the FIRsT study involves a relatively small group size (eight evaluable patients), we believe the update is encouraging, and note that Veloxis Pharmaceuticals (OSE’s partner for this programme) is already preparing for a subsequent Phase II trial involving a larger patient population. We expect full results from the FIRsT study after all patients have completed the 12-month treatment protocol, most likely in H224.

Year
end

Revenue
(€m)

PBT*
(€m)

EPS*
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/21

26.3

(17.2)

(0.95)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/22

18.3

(18.0)

(0.97)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/23e

2.7

(26.2)

(1.34)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/24e

15.0

(21.8)

(0.98)

0.0

N/A

N/A

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

The FIRsT study is being sponsored and conducted by the University Hospital of Nantes. This Phase I/II trial is investigating FR104/VEL-101 in kidney transplant patients, assessing safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics, as well as its potential efficacy in acute rejection prophylaxis and renal function. Patients are monitored for one year, and tacrolimus (a calcineurin inhibitor used to reduce the risk of organ rejection) is discontinued six months post-transplantation. Ten patients have been enrolled, all of whom were deemed to be at low risk of rejection, as per the study protocol, but two patients were not transplanted for technical reasons. While one patient is still undergoing the treatment protocol (currently at four months), this interim analysis included 12-month data on the remaining seven patients.

Among the evaluable patients, there have been no safety concerns reported up to one year of follow-up. While there have been some adverse events, these were considered typical for patients undergoing kidney transplantations. A key objective is to replace calcineurin inhibitors (standard of care after such procedures) with potentially safer alternative immunosuppressive treatments, as otherwise long-term exposure may lead to adverse events, nephrotoxicity and/or allograft rejection. Importantly, the interim analysis for the FIRsT study showed no acute rejection with FR104/VEL-101, even after discontinuation of tacrolimus. We highlight that long-term management of maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplant patients remains an ongoing medical need. Recent US congressional activities also highlight the increasing need to manage transplant maintenance including end-stage renal disease. Therefore, although in the early stages, we believe there is significant opportunity for OSE and Veloxis Pharmaceuticals in this space.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by OSE Immunotherapeutics and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by OSE Immunotherapeutics. 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.

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

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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.

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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 OSE Immunotherapeutics and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by OSE Immunotherapeutics. 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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