RepliCel Life Sciences Inc (TSXV:RP)
RepliCel is a regenerative medicine company developing autologous cell therapies that address diseases caused by a deficit of healthy cells required for normal healing and function.
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Sanofi (SNY +1.8%) chief Paul Hudson said Americans will most likely receive priority for its COVID-19 vaccine when available since the U.S. was first in line to fund its vaccine research.
“The U.S. government has the right to the largest pre-order because it’s invested in taking the risk,” Hudson said. The U.S., which expanded a vaccine partnership with the company in February, expects “that if we’ve helped you manufacture the doses at risk, we expect to get the doses first.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has a long history with the company. Thus far, it has provided $30M to support its COVID-19 development efforts. In December 2019, it provided $226M to support an increase in its flu vaccine production capacity.
COVID-19 test developer Co-Diagnostics (CODX +30.5%) is poised to finish the day solidly in the green on more than 40% higher volume, enjoying a surge in buying in the wake of reported disappointing sensitivity data from a New York study evaluating Abbott’s ID Now rapid molecular test for SARS-CoV-2.
Co-Diagnostics recently announced data on its LogixSmart molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 that showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
Abbott is down 2%.
Exact Sciences (EXAS +5.9%) is up, albeit on modest volume, on the heels of its presentation at the BofA Securities Virtual Healthcare Conference during which it apparently reported a 60% week-over-week increase in Cologuard volume during the first week of May.
Investigators at Providence Cancer Institute are on board with a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating OncoSec Medical’s (NASDAQ:ONCS) CORVax12 COVID-19 vaccine candidate. They hope for FDA sign-off by month-end.
The prophylactic vaccine combines the use of an interleukin-12 plasmid (genetic structure in a cell that can replicate independently of chromosomes) and a plasmid for the coronavirus spike protein.
The company’s lead candidate is TAVO (interleukin-12 plasmid) for the treatment of solid tumors.
Shares were up 21% during the session but have surrendered 11% after hours.
CytoDyn (OTCQB:CYDY) has submitted all remaining parts of its marketing application to the FDA for leronlimab, combined with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), for highly treatment-experienced HIV patients, a Fast Track-tagged indication.
The company will request Priority Review of the filing.
