Immunomedics' Progress In Phase II Cancer Study Encouraging

Immunomedics, Inc. ( (NASDAQ:IMMU) ) announced encouraging interim results from a phase II study on its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), labetuzumab govitecan (IMMU-130). The candidate is being evaluated as a single agent in heavily-pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

The company’s shares closed 7% higher on Aug 21 after the announcement of the news. In fact, shares of the company have returned 145.5% so far this year, outperforming the industry, which gained 5.2% in that period.

Coming back to the news, the study is evaluating once weekly 8mg or 10 mg dose of IMMU-30 in patients who have already received Pfizer Inc’s (NYSE:PFE) Camptosar therapy. The median progression free survival (PFS) achieved was 4.6 months for 8mg and 3.6 months for 10 mg dosage. Also, median overall survivals (OS) demonstrated by the candidate was 7.5 months (8mg) and 6.4 months (10mg).

Moreover, a subset of 23 patients had also received prior treatment with Bayer AG’s (OTC:BAYRY) Stivarga. In this subset, the median PFS and OS achieved by the candidate was 4 months and 6.7 months, respectively, better than Stivarga’s PFS and OS.

The company is also developing another ADC, sacituzumab govitecan (IMMU-132) in patients with relapsed/refractive, metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. We remind investors that IMMU-132 enjoys Breakthrough Therapy Designation in the U.S. The company is planning to file a Biologics License Application for accelerated approval to the FDA for the same indication.

IMMU-132 is also being developed for treating other metastatic solid tumors. Another ADC candidate, IMMU-140, is being evaluated in solid and liquid cancers.

Zacks Rank & Stock to Consider

Immunomedics currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

A better-ranked stock in the pharmaceutical sectors is Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALXN) , sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Alexion’s earnings estimates increased from $5.32 to $5.60 for 2017 and from $6.56 to $6.91 for 2018 in the last 30 days. The company delivered a positive earnings surprise in all the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 11.12%. Its share price has increased 9.1% year to date.

Zacks' 10-Minute Stock-Picking Secret

Since 1988, the Zacks system has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +25% per year. With compounding, rebalancing, and exclusive of fees, it can turn thousands into millions of dollars.

But here's something even more remarkable: You can master this proven system without going to a single class or seminar. And then you can apply it to your portfolio in as little as 10 minutes a month.

Learn the secret >>