TC BioPharm Announces Preclinical Studies for TCB008
TC BioPharm, a biotechnology company specializing in gamma-delta T cell therapies, has announced its plans to initiate preclinical studies for its lead therapeutic, TCB 008, as a potential treatment for monkeypox. This strategic move comes in response to the ongoing global health emergency posed by the virus.
TCB 008: A Promising Therapeutic
TCB 008 is a unique allogeneic unmodified cell therapy composed of activated and expanded gamma delta T (GDT) cells. The company believes that this therapeutic has the potential to be highly effective in combating monkeypox due to the crucial role of GDT cells in immune responses to viral infections.
Collaboration with Leading Institutions
Given the highly infectious nature of monkeypox, TC BioPharm intends to partner with a renowned Infectious Disease Center or University to expedite the Proof-of-Concept and preclinical studies. This collaboration will leverage the expertise of leading researchers in the field to accelerate the development of TCB 008 as a potential treatment.
Market Reaction to TC BioPharm Preclinical Studies News
Following the announcement, TC BioPharm’s stock experienced a significant decline, reflecting investor concerns about the company’s financial performance and the potential challenges associated with developing a new therapeutic.
CEO’s Optimism
Despite the market’s reaction, TC BioPharm’s CEO, Bryan Kobel, expressed optimism about the potential of TCB 008 to address the global monkeypox outbreak. He highlighted the growing body of research supporting the role of gamma delta T cells in combating viral infections and emphasized the potential for TCB 008 to prevent severe illness, reduce transmission, and mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
“There are a number of academic papers highlighting a successful immune response to viral infection being heavily reliant on the presence of gamma delta t-cells,” commented CEO Bryan Kobel. “We continue to look at avenues to expand the therapeutic applications for TCB008 and moving into rapid response for aggressive viral infections is an arena we believe our therapeutic can be immediately impactful. The ability to deliver a frozen/thawed product to these patients to prevent not just the death or extended viral infection in these patients, but also potentially slow the spread of the infectious disease and contain the issue from becoming a global pandemic, would represent a massive global opportunity and market size. We look forward to updating investors as we further this program.”
Understanding Monkeypox
Monkeypox, caused by the Orthopoxvirus, is a contagious viral illness characterized by a skin rash or mucosal lesions, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, and other symptoms. The virus can be transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person or animal, or through contaminated materials.
TC BioPharm’s Financial Performance
TC BioPharm’s financial performance remains mixed.. Despite its potential in the biotechnology sector, the company has faced challenges in achieving profitability. The company’s net income for the trailing twelve months (ttm) is -$10.85 million, indicating a loss. This loss has contributed to a negative earnings per share (EPS) of -$164.45.
Additionally, TC BioPharm’s financial position is relatively weak. Furthermore, the company has a negative net cash position of -$943,661, suggesting that it may need to raise additional capital to fund its operations. Furthermore, its debt-to-equity ratio of 1.60 indicates that the company has more debt than equity, which can be a risk factor during financial downturns.
The decision of TC BioPharm to pursue preclinical studies for TCB 008 as a potential treatment for monkeypox represents a significant step forward in addressing the global health emergency. While the company faces challenges, the potential benefits of a successful therapeutic could be substantial. As the development of TCB 008 progresses, investors will be closely watching the company’s progress and the potential impact of its therapeutic on the fight against monkeypox.
Chart by Trading View