GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX) announced today the formation of its Oncology Advisory Board, appointing three internationally recognized leaders in immuno-oncology, translational medicine, and clinical development. The advisory board will guide the scientific and clinical advancement of Gedeptin, the company's gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapeutic (GDEPT), which is being developed for solid tumors.
The advisory board members include Chas Bountra, PhD, OBE, Professor of Translational Medicine at the University of Oxford; Marc S. Ernstoff, MD, Director of Experimental Cell Therapy at Dartmouth Health; and Anthony J. Olszanski, MD, RPh, Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Clinical Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Their collective expertise spans translational medicine, immunotherapy, and early-phase oncology drug development.
GeoVax plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial with Gedeptin in the neoadjuvant setting, combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The company is also evaluating Gedeptin plus ICI combinations across other solid tumor indications. Gedeptin is delivered intratumorally using a non-replicating viral vector encoding purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), which converts a prodrug into a cytotoxic agent within the tumor microenvironment, promoting immune recognition.
David A. Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax, stated that the advisory board's experience aligns with the goal of positioning Gedeptin as a novel immune-sensitizing therapy. Kelly T. McKee, MD, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the need for expert guidance on trial design and translational endpoints as Gedeptin moves into combination strategies. Gedeptin has completed a Phase 1/2 trial in advanced head and neck cancer and received Orphan Drug Designation for oral and pharyngeal cancers.
More information about GeoVax and its programs can be found at www.geovax.com.
