GeoVax Labs, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced the formation of its Oncology Advisory Board with the appointment of three internationally recognized leaders in immuno-oncology, translational medicine, and clinical development. This board will guide the scientific and clinical advancement of GeoVax's oncology program, primarily focused on Gedeptin®, the company's gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapeutic. The company plans a Phase 2 trial with Gedeptin in the neoadjuvant setting, pairing it with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, while evaluating combination strategies across additional solid tumor indications.
The advisory board members bring deep expertise critical to Gedeptin's development. Chas Bountra, PhD, OBE, Professor of Translational Medicine at the University of Oxford, offers extensive leadership in academia, biotech, and pharmaceutical R&D, supporting progression from proof-of-concept to scalable development programs. Marc S. Ernstoff, MD, Director of Experimental Cell Therapy at Dartmouth Health and former Chief of the Immuno-Oncology Branch at the National Cancer Institute, provides expertise in cancer immunotherapy and combination trials. Anthony J. Olszanski, MD, RPh, Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Clinical Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center, contributes experience in early-phase oncology drug development and trial execution.
This strategic move reflects GeoVax's focus on Gedeptin as a differentiated immune-sensitizing platform, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Gedeptin's intratumoral delivery and localized tumor-debulking mechanism are designed to enhance antigen release and immune activation within the tumor microenvironment, potentially complementing systemic checkpoint blockade. The advisors will provide guidance on clinical trial design, translational biomarker strategy, patient selection, and regulatory pathways as Gedeptin advances through combination and neoadjuvant programs. David A. Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax, stated that the advisors' experience aligns with the goal of positioning Gedeptin as a novel immune-sensitizing therapy across solid tumors.
Kelly T. McKee, MD, Chief Medical Officer of GeoVax, emphasized that Gedeptin sits at the intersection of localized tumor control and systemic immune activation, with expert guidance being critical as checkpoint inhibitors move earlier in treatment paradigms. Gedeptin has completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial in advanced head and neck cancer and has received Orphan Drug Designation for oral and pharyngeal cancers. For more information, visit https://www.geovax.com. The formation of this advisory board is important as it accelerates the development of combination therapies that could improve outcomes for patients with solid tumors, addressing limitations of current treatments and expanding the reach of immuno-oncology.
