GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX) announced today the formation of its Oncology Advisory Board, appointing three internationally recognized leaders in immuno-oncology and translational medicine to guide the development of Gedeptin, its gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapeutic (GDEPT). The board will focus on advancing Gedeptin into a Phase 2 trial in the neoadjuvant setting combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, as well as evaluating combination strategies across additional solid tumor indications.
The advisory board members include Chas Bountra, PhD, OBE, Professor of Translational Medicine at the University of Oxford and former Vice President & Head of Biology at GlaxoSmithKline; 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; and Anthony J. Olszanski, MD, RPh, Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Clinical Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Their collective expertise spans translational medicine, clinical trial design, biomarker strategies, and early-phase oncology drug development.
GeoVax's Gedeptin platform uses intratumoral delivery of a non-replicating viral vector encoding purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP). After systemic prodrug administration, the enzyme converts it into a cytotoxic agent selectively within the tumor microenvironment, destroying tumor cells and promoting immune recognition. This mechanism is designed to enhance antigen release and immune activation, potentially complementing systemic checkpoint blockade. Gedeptin has completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 trial in advanced head and neck cancer and received Orphan Drug Designation for oral and pharyngeal cancers.
David A. Dodd, Chairman & CEO of GeoVax, stated, "The addition of these three exceptional oncology leaders significantly strengthens our scientific and clinical foundation as we advance Gedeptin into its next stage of development." Kelly T. McKee, MD, Chief Medical Officer, added, "Gedeptin sits at the intersection of localized tumor control and systemic immune activation. As checkpoint inhibitors move earlier in treatment paradigms, expert guidance on trial design, patient selection, and translational endpoints is critical."
GeoVax is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on immunotherapies and vaccines for cancers and infectious diseases. Its pipeline also includes GEO-MVA, a vaccine for mpox and smallpox advancing toward a Phase 3 trial, and GEO-CM04S1, a COVID-19 vaccine candidate. More information is available at www.geovax.com.
The formation of this advisory board underscores GeoVax's commitment to advancing Gedeptin as a differentiated immune-sensitizing platform. By leveraging expert guidance on clinical trial design, translational biomarkers, and regulatory pathways, the company aims to position Gedeptin as a novel therapy that enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors.
