GeoVax Expands Immuno-Oncology Portfolio with Exclusive License for Gedeptin Combination Technology

GeoVax Labs, Inc. has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Emory University for intellectual property covering the use of Gedeptin in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The licensed technology supports the use of gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy to enhance the anti-tumor activity of checkpoint blockade, which represents a significant advancement in immuno-oncology combination strategies. This agreement strengthens GeoVax's intellectual property foundation as the company advances clinical programs evaluating Gedeptin with immune checkpoint inhibitors across multiple solid tumor indications.

The strategic importance of this license lies in addressing a critical limitation of current cancer immunotherapies. While checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer care, many patients fail to achieve durable responses. The licensed Emory technology reinforces the scientific rationale for combining Gedeptin with immune checkpoint inhibitors to potentially convert immunologically 'cold' tumors into more responsive targets. This approach leverages Gedeptin's localized tumor-debulking and immune-sensitizing mechanism to enhance and extend immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy, particularly as these inhibitors move earlier in treatment paradigms including first-line and neoadjuvant settings.

GeoVax has previously reported encouraging clinical and translational data demonstrating that Gedeptin's intratumoral delivery approach can induce localized tumor cell death while promoting immune activation within the tumor microenvironment. This effect may be complementary to systemic checkpoint inhibition, creating a synergistic therapeutic approach. The company's development strategy includes evaluating Gedeptin in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors in a Phase 2 neoadjuvant clinical trial in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, as well as preclinical assessments in additional solid tumor settings. The exclusive license provides global rights to patent applications and associated know-how covering the combination of Gedeptin with immune checkpoint inhibitors within a defined field of use.

The timing of this agreement coincides with increasing recognition within oncology that combination therapies represent the future of cancer treatment. As David A. Dodd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GeoVax noted, this license meaningfully strengthens the company's intellectual property position around Gedeptin-based combination therapies. The technology was developed in collaboration with investigators at Emory University and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, building on established research partnerships. GeoVax continues to evaluate strategic collaboration opportunities related to both the clinical development and potential commercialization of Gedeptin-based combination therapies, positioning the company to potentially address significant unmet needs in oncology treatment.