Vidac Pharma, BioNTech, Gerresheimer optimize the value chain - From research to patient

Vidac Pharma receives broad US patent protection for novel cancer cell metabolism mechanism

Vidac Pharma (ISIN: GB00BM9XQ619), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of a novel class of cancer treatments, has been awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This patent provides comprehensive protection for the mechanism of action underlying the Company's oncology and onco-dermatology therapeutic candidates.

The patent protects the innovative method used by Vidac Pharma to influence the metabolism of cancer cells. Specifically, it involves new chemical compounds designed to detach a specific enzyme called hexokinase-2 from important cell structures (the mitochondria).

This enzyme is overly active in cancer cells and causes an accelerated glucose metabolism, which enables the rapid growth of tumor cells. By removing this enzyme from its site of action, Vidac Pharma's active ingredients aim to normalize the excessive energy metabolism of cancer cells.

**The aim is to slow down the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells and make them vulnerable again to the body's natural defense mechanisms. This approach represents a novel strategy in cancer therapy, which is now protected by the patent. It focuses on boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells rather than relying on traditional chemotherapy, which destroys more than just cancer cells.

Prof. Max Herzberg, CEO of Vidac Pharma, emphasizes the importance of this patent: "*This extremely far-reaching patent is very welcome news for Vidac, as it comprehensively protects our efforts to bring a completely new class of cancer treatments to market. *To our knowledge, we are the only company in the world whose products aim to reverse the overly active metabolism of cancer cells, known as the Warburg effect. Vidac Pharma now holds the exclusive patent for this highly promising mechanism of action in the US market." Thus, the Company's fair value has increased thanks to patent protection that excludes competitors.**

BioNTech: AI-powered research shortens the path of new therapies to patients

BioNTech (ISIN: DE000A0V9BC4) is extensively integrating AI capabilities into its entire immunotherapy pipeline. From immunohistochemistry and DNA/RNA sequencing to proteomics and protein design, AI is expected to optimize the entire development process. Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech, emphasizes the goal of using AI to bring innovative vaccines and cancer therapies to patients faster. For investors, this strategy potentially means shorter development times, more efficient research processes, and possibly a higher success rate in the development of new therapies.

At the centre of the announcement at BioNTech's AI Day is the introduction of the Kyber supercomputer, which is approaching exascale levels of performance. This impressive computing power enables BioNTech to process highly complex data volumes and promises to accelerate research and development significantly. At the same time, the Company presented innovative AI models, including the Bayesian Flow Network (BFN) for creating protein sequences, which could revolutionize the development of new drugs.

A particular focus is the DeepChain™ multi-omics design platform, which is now also being opened up to external partnerships. This not only creates new opportunities for collaboration but could also provide an additional source of income. The share price has risen by around 25% in the last six months. It currently stands at EUR 106.90.

Hurricane Helene slows Gerresheimer down: Plant in the US flooded, production disruption expected

Gerresheimer AG (ISIN: DE000A0LD6E6), a leading supplier of containment solutions for the pharma, biotech, and cosmetics industries, has published its preliminary figures for the third quarter of 2024. The Company recorded organic revenue growth of 2.0% and an increase in adjusted EBITDA of 3.1% during this period.

The Plastics & Devices business unit performed particularly strongly, with organic growth of 9.2%. This success is mainly driven by the high demand for drug delivery systems and plastic containment solutions. These solutions serve two main purposes: to prevent products from being contaminated by foreign substances in the environment and to protect employees and the environment from potentially harmful chemical production materials.

Despite this positive development, the Company has to adjust its growth guidance for the current financial year 2024 and for 2025. This is due to ongoing inventory effects and a slower than expected market recovery, particularly in the area of injection vials. It should be briefly noted that monkeypox has not spread as pandemically as predicted. As a result, the demand for vaccines in suitable injection vials is somewhat lower.

For the financial year 2024, Gerresheimer now expects:

Organic revenue growth of between 3% and 4% (previously: 5% to 10%)
Adjusted EBITDA of between EUR 415m and EUR 430m (previously: EUR 430m to EUR 450m)
Adjusted EPS growth of between 2% and 8% (previously: 8% to 12%)
The guidance for 2024 is also affected by the flooding of the injection vial plant in Morganton, US, caused by Hurricane Helene.** The hurricane hit the southeastern United States with full force over several days, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Rebuilding the plant is expected to result in a disruption of production lasting several weeks.

Despite these temporary challenges, Gerresheimer remains optimistic about the future. CEO Dietmar Siemssen emphasizes: "Our growth prospects for the coming years remain positive despite the temporary weakness in one of our submarkets. We are currently growing particularly strongly with solutions for large-molecule biopharmaceuticals such as GLP-1."

Gerresheimer has a strong global presence with 35 production locations in 16 countries across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This strategic positioning enables the Company to manufacture products locally for regional markets and thus respond efficiently to specific market requirements. Those who would like to learn more about the current business strategy can ask Mr. Guido Pickert, VP, Head of IR, live digital questions at the upcoming 12th International Investment Forum, IIF. Click here to register.**

Vidac Pharma has reached a major milestone by obtaining broad US patent protection for its innovative mechanism of action against cancer cell metabolism. This patent ensures the Company exclusive use of a potentially groundbreaking cancer therapy in the US market. For investors, this means a significant increase in the Company's value through the exclusion of competitors and the opportunity to market an entirely new class of cancer treatments. BioNTech is committed to integrating AI into its research and development processes. This allows the Company to drastically reduce the development times of new therapies and increase success rates. The new supercomputer Kyber and innovative AI models such as the Bayesian Flow Network promise significant advances in drug discovery. Opening up the DeepChain™ platform to external partners could open up additional sources of revenue. With a 25% increase in the share price in the last six months, investor confidence is already evident. Despite short-term challenges such as the flooding of a US plant and an adjusted growth forecast for 2024/2025, Gerresheimer shows solid fundamentals. The Company reports organic revenue growth of 2.0% and an EBITDA increase of 3.1%. The Plastics & Devices segment performed particularly strongly, with 9.2% growth. The global presence with 35 sites in 16 countries offers stability and flexibility. Gerresheimer will be available for a live Q&A session on October 15 as part of the 12th International Investment Forum. Details about Gerresheimer's presentation time can be found here.