Tag: Life Sciences

Wall Street Journal: GeoVax Labs Shares Rise 12% After Licensing Deal for Cancer Treatment

Posted on September 30, 2021

By Chris Wack

GeoVax Labs Inc. shares were up 12% to $4.68 after the company said it entered into an assignment and license agreement with PNP Therapeutics Inc., granting GeoVax exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Gedeptin, a novel patented product for the treatment of solid tumors.

The biotechnology company said the license provides exclusive worldwide rights to key intellectual property, including Gedeptin patents, know-how, regulatory filings, clinical materials and trademarks.

The patent portfolio covering Gedeptin was originally licensed from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Southern Research Institute by PNP. Under the License, GeoVax will become the successor to PNP under its license agreement with UAB/SRI.

Detailed financial terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed, but include a combination of upfront payments, milestone fees, and royalties on net sales.

A Phase 1/2 trial, evaluating the safety and efficacy of repeat cycles of Gedeptin therapy in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, with tumors accessible for injection and no curable treatment options, is currently enrolling. The initial stage of the study is being funded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pursuant to its Orphan Products Clinical Trials Grants Program. The FDA also has granted Gedeptin orphan drug status for the intra-tumoral treatment of anatomically accessible oral and pharyngeal cancers, including cancers of the lip, tongue, gum, floor of mouth, salivary gland and other oral cavities.

Write to Chris Wack at chris.wack@wsj.com

Southern Research employee honored by national LGBTQ+ science organization

Posted on August 2, 2021

A national organization devoted to LGBTQ+ individuals in scientific or technical careers is honoring a longtime Southern Research employee with a new scholarship specifically geared to individuals in biosciences.

LaVinia Ray, manager of the Anatomic Pathology and Central Repository Groups at Southern Research, received Out to Innovate’s inaugural Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience on July 31. The $2,000 award was established to recognize those who enhance LGBTQ+ visibility, diversity and inclusion in biosciences.

Ray said she is honored to receive the scholarship, which will support her work toward a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of West Alabama.

“As a woman scientist and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have encountered many barriers to my growth and development,” she said. “However, one thing has held strong – my commitment to making the path an easier one for those who follow in my footsteps.”

Ray has worked for Southern Research for 20 years, and said she has been fortunate to work at an institution that has long valued and celebrated diversity. Specifically, she said, Southern Research was among the early companies to provide insurance coverage for same-sex spouses. “I am so proud to work for Southern Research and pleased with its stance on equality for all,” she said.

Josh Carpenter, president and CEO of Southern Research, said Southern Research is equally proud of Ray.

“LaVinia is widely recognized not only for her technical expertise, but also for her ability to mentor, support and inspire those on her team,” Carpenter said. “She is a leader in every sense of the word, and she is an asset to Southern Research. We are proud to see that others recognize her accomplishments as much as we do.”

Out to Innovate, formerly known as the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals, is made up of professionals who work in science, engineering and other technical fields. The organization works to empower LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM by providing education, advocacy, professional development, networking and peer support.

The group provides scholarships for LGBTQ+ students to pursue degrees in STEM fields, with the goal of promoting academic excellence and increased visibility of LGBTQ+ students in STEM fields. This is the first year that the organization has awarded the Amy A. Ross Scholarship in Bioscience.

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