Midatech Pharma — Planned dose-escalation commences in rGBM study

Biodexa Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: BDRX)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

USD0.86

0.06 (7.24%)

Market capitalisation

USD3m

More on this equity

Research: Healthcare

Midatech Pharma — Planned dose-escalation commences in rGBM study

Midatech has announced that following the completion of one month of treatment for the first patient enrolled in the MAGIC-G1 study (at a dose of 60uM), the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has recommended dose escalation to 90uM (expected to be the target therapeutic dose for MTX110). MAGIC-G1 is an open-label, Phase I study designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of MTX110 in recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) using a convection-enhanced delivery (CED) system. However, we note that continued progression of this study will be contingent on the successful conclusion of the announced Bioasis deal and US$9.6m fund-raising, both of which require shareholder authorisation. Approval and completion of these is critical path for Midatech. The company states that it has a cash balance of £2.6m (as of 5 January 2023), which is only sufficient to fund operations to mid-March 2023.

Soo Romanoff

Written by

Soo Romanoff

Managing Director - Head of Content, Healthcare

Healthcare

Midatech Pharma

Planned dose-escalation commences in rGBM study

Clinical development update

Pharma and biotech

13 January 2023

Price

2.7p

Market cap

£3m

Net cash (£m) at 5 January 2023

2.6

Shares in issue

108.3

Free float

90.2%

Code

MTPH

Primary exchange

AIM

Secondary exchange

Nasdaq

Share price performance

Business description

Midatech Pharma is platform-based drug delivery specialist founded in 2000 and listed on the AIM in 2014. Its three technology platforms, Q-Sphera (for sustained release of drugs), MidaSolve (nano inclusion for local delivery) and MidaCore (gold nanoparticles for targeted delivery), are designed to re-engineer and reformulate existing therapeutic drugs with the aim of improving biodistribution and delivery. The realigned focus is now on the Q-Sphera development pipeline and the clinical asset MTX110 (for brain cancer).

Analysts

Soo Romanoff

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Jyoti Prakash, CFA

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Midatech Pharma is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Midatech has announced that following the completion of one month of treatment for the first patient enrolled in the MAGIC-G1 study (at a dose of 60uM), the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has recommended dose escalation to 90uM (expected to be the target therapeutic dose for MTX110). MAGIC-G1 is an open-label, Phase I study designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of MTX110 in recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) using a convection-enhanced delivery (CED) system. However, we note that continued progression of this study will be contingent on the successful conclusion of the announced Bioasis deal and US$9.6m fund-raising, both of which require shareholder authorisation. Approval and completion of these is critical path for Midatech. The company states that it has a cash balance of £2.6m (as of 5 January 2023), which is only sufficient to fund operations to mid-March 2023.

Year end

Revenue
(£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/18

1.94

(11.8)

(339.0)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/19

0.67

(10.9)

(50.0)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/20

0.34

(11.1)

(22.9)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/21

0.58

(6.1)

(6.8)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised.

The Phase I MAGIC-G1 study plans to recruit patients across two cohorts (minimum of four patients each), with one cohort receiving MTX110 as monotherapy and the other receiving it in combination with lomustine (a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug approved for patients with rGBM). The primary objectives will be to assess the feasibility and safety of intermittent infusions of MTX110 delivered through an implantable CED system, although the study will likely also track preliminary efficacy signals. The study will utilise the same single-catheter CED system used in the first Phase I study in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), which had reported encouraging headline data in October 2020.

The first patient on the MAGIC-G1 study was enrolled in November 2022 and administered 60uM of MTX110 (four 48-hour infusions over four weeks). No treatment-associated adverse events were noted during this period, which resulted in the DSMB recommending dose expansion to 90uM. Midatech expects this to be the optimal dose of MTX110 and it is the one being used in the ongoing Phase I study in DIPG at Columbia University, US. The second patient is expected to be enrolled by end-January 2023 and will be administered a dose of 90uM, while the first patient will remain on treatment as per protocol. Management has indicated that depending on the safety signals from the higher dose, the study will need to recruit at least three more patients before progressing to the next cohort.

As a reminder, Midatech recently proposed an all-stock acquisition of Bioasis Technologies (deal value of c C$7.4m at the time of announcement) and planned a US$9.6m equity raise, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. Management estimates that the current cash balance (c £2.6m at 5 January) will provide an operational cash runway until mid-March 2023, which could extend to the beginning of Q423 if the fund-raise and acquisition are concluded successfully.

General disclaimer and copyright

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

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

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

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

More on Biodexa Pharmaceuticals

View All

Latest from the Healthcare sector

View All Healthcare content

Research: Consumer

Agrana — Good nine-month performance

Agrana’s strong Q3, with its ability to push through cost increases, led to a good set of results for the first nine months of FY23 (9M23). Revenue was €2.743bn for 9M23, up 26% versus the prior year. Operating profit before exceptional items jumped to €121.6m, +77% versus a year ago. EBIT was €50.2m, down 33.9% vs 9M22, mostly due to an impairment charge in Q2. The outlook for 2022/23 is reaffirmed, with revenues expected to grow ‘significantly’ (ie 10–50%), group EBIT expected to grow ‘very significantly’ (ie over 50%) and operating profit before exceptional items and results of equity-accounted joint ventures expected to grow ‘significantly’.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free