The ASX 200 Health Index (XHJ) is down by 0.30% at the time of writing, compared to the broader index which is down by 0.50%.

Imugene (ASX:IMU) was up 4.35% in morning trading, after announcing partnership agreements  with Merck KGaA and Pfizer Inc to support its Phase 2 clinical trial on HER-Vaxx.

Under the deal, Imugene will be the sponsor of the study, while Merck KGaA and Pfizer will provide avelumab.

The study will test the combination of avelumab – an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-L1 – and HER-Vaxx, IMU’s B-cell activating immunotherapy.

Tests will be conducted on patients with HER-2 positive gastric cancer, designed to test HER-Vaxx and chemotherapy with and without avelumab, vs chemotherapy alone.

“HER-Vaxx has shown a tolerable safety profile and encouraging efficacy in patients with metastatic HER-2 positive gastric cancer,” says Imugene’s CEO, Leslie Chong.

“We’re now looking forward to evaluating HER-Vaxx with avelumab in the perioperative clinical setting.”

Imugene share price today:

 

Other ASX health stocks with notable announcements

Singular Health (ASX:SHG) +7%

SHG has ventured out of medical markets by forming GeoVR Pty Ltd, a 50/50 joint venture (JV) with TerraCentric with the objective of commercialising the GeoVR technology.

GeoVR allows for mineral exploration and production data to be visualised in a fully interactive 3D environment.

This helps mines become connected through the Internet of Things (IoT) and as IoT grows, synthesising all this data into a visual environment.

The company worked alongside FlowCentric Technologies in initial pilot trials, and has managed to get early enquiries from a client in South Africa.

Singular says the JV allows it to focus on the medical solutions sector, while branching out for diversified revenue sources.

PYC Therapeutics (ASX:PYC) +3.3%

PYC has completed a key translational milestone for its RNA platform, by determining safe and well tolerated doses of its co-lead drug candidate, VP-001, in monkeys.

The results are a key step towards toxicity studies scheduled for Q1 2022, that will then support the initiation of a first study in humans.

The human study is set to be the first therapy for patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa type 11, and will address the underlying cause of the disease.

Retinis pigmentosa is a rare genetic disorder that involves a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina — which is the light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye.

Common symptoms include difficulty seeing at night and a loss of side (peripheral) vision.

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinitis-pigmentosa

Capitol Health (ASX:CAJ) +6%

After coming off a strong FY21 with revenue of $178m and operating EBITDA of $48m, the diagnostic imaging company says it’s expecting better things ahead.

Management said it’s focusing on continuing organic revenue growth and sustainable operating margin of 23-24%.

Capitol said COVID-19 impacts have been successfully managed to date, and next year will seen increased services as restrictions are lifted.

Share prices today:

 

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