Already working on a vaccine for COVID-19, a Morrisville-based drugmaker now says that it is developing a testing solution that will produce results in 30 minutes.

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / March 5, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (NASDAQ:HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapeutics designed to ...

Median overall survival (OS) of 28.7 months for HS-110 in combination with nivolumab in previously treated checkpoint inhibitor naïve non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE ...

Heat Biologics Inc. disclosed Tuesday in a financial filing that its COVID-19 vaccine candidate had been added to the World Health Organization's "draft landscape" of 41 candidate vaccines. Heat had previously announced that it is developing a vaccine for the novel coronavirus with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The company also recently joined the Alliance for Biosecurity, which may help it "secure government funding to support its rapid development, production, and distribution" of its COVID-19 vaccine, according to Maxim Group analysts. Heat's stock was up 9% in trading on Tuesday and has gained 19% year-to-date, while the S&P 500 has dropped 26%.

DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 5, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. (HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of therapeutic vaccines, announced today a strategic collaboration with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to support the development of a vaccine leveraging Heat's proprietary gp96 platform designed to target the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Clinical and preclinical studies suggest that Heat's gp96-based vaccines may be utilized to target COVID-19.

There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, although Amazon.com...

DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / May 15, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (NASDAQ:HTBX) , a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic ...

DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / May 27, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, including one for coronavirus COVID-19, announced that it is collaborating with Waisman Biomanufacturing to establish a partnership for the manufacture of Heat's COVID-19 vaccine. Waisman specializes in the manufacture of cellular therapeutics and other biologics for early-stage clinical trials and is part of the University of Wisconsin (Madison, Wisconsin). Heat Biologics previously worked with Waisman to manufacture Heat's HS-130, which is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial, and is collaborating with Waisman to support the manufacturing of its COVID-19 vaccine for expected Phase 1 trials in humans.

DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / May 11, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing first-in-class therapies to modulate the immune system, including multiple oncology product candidates and a novel coronavirus COVID-19 vaccine, today provided an update on its Phase 2 trial of its T-cell activating HS-110, in combination with Opdivo® (nivolumab) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Additionally, we are excited to proceed with our partnership for biomarker development with the Providence Cancer Institute to find a tissue-based marker that will help predict patient treatment response with HS-110 and nivolumab.

DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 16, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of therapeutic vaccines including one for coronavirus COVID-19, today announced that it has accepted an invitation to join the Alliance for Biosecurity, a DC-based coalition of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that works to ensure medical countermeasures are available to protect public health and improve the prevention and treatment of severe infectious diseases, including coronavirus COVID-19. The Alliance for Biosecurity has a track record of securing advanced public-private partnerships to address biosecurity threats and of securing funding for firms working to address these challenges. "We look forward to becoming an active member of the Alliance for Biosecurity, as we work to obtain government support for our novel COVID-19 vaccine," said Heat Biologics CEO, Jeff Wolf.

DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / April 29, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, including one for coronavirus COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, reported that it continues to advance its COVID-19 vaccine program and provided an outline of its strategy as well as anticipated Q2 2020 milestones for this program. Heat's gp96 COVID-19 vaccine program is focused on providing prophylactic protection to elderly patients and those with underlying health conditions, the very group of patients with an increased risk of complications and death from COVID-19 infection. New data suggest that both T-cell (cellular immunity) and antibody (humoral immunity) are required for effective prophylactic protection against COVID-19.

Provides update on development of gp96 vaccine for preventing infection from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 Reports progress on development of COVID-19 30-minute point of care diagnostic ...

By John Vandermosten, CFA NASDAQ:HTBX READ THE FULL HTBX RESEARCH REPORT Full Year 2019 Results Heat Biologics, Inc. (NASDAQ:HTBX) reported full year 2019 results in a March 30 release along with the submission of the 10-K to the SEC. During 2019 and year to date, Heat has attended numerous scientific and investment conferences and advanced its Phase II trial for HS-110. An investigational new

It has been three weeks since the coronavirus-driven volatility hit the global economy, and the market continues to rapidly move into both the green and the red. Since its February 19 peak, the S&P 500 has ultimately shed 15% of its value, with it swinging violently in either direction on a seemingly daily basis. As for the other major U.S. indexes, they seem to be following this pattern to a T.Given the uncertainty related to how long the aftermath of the virus’ outbreak will weigh on the market, investors are turning to the pros for guidance, namely healthcare investing guru Hal Mintz. The New York investment banker, who previously managed BAM Capital, has earned a Street reputation as being a trusted source of stock picking inspiration. Currently leading the Sabby Capital hedge fund, which primarily focuses on small-cap healthcare names, Mintz has grown the equity portfolio to reach $361 million, according to the latest 13F filling. As a result, when Mintz makes a move, Wall Street watches.Bearing this in mind, we took a closer look at three small-cap biotech stocks Sabby Capital added to the portfolio recently. After running the tickers through TipRanks’ Stock Screener tool, we found out that analysts see plenty of upside in store for each of these Buy-rated names. Let’s dive in.Zosano Pharma (ZSAN)Using its patented intracutaneous microneedle patch technology, Zosano Pharma wants to provide a safe, simple and fast acting method for drug delivery. While shares have taken a nasty tumble since the start of the year, some believe that a turnaround is on the horizon.Hal Mintz falls into this category. On February 12, Sabby Capital snapped up 3,576,491 shares at $0.65 cents apiece. The total purchase value comes in at more than $2.3 million, with the fund now a 9.99% owner of the company.Based on its Adhesive Dermally Applied Microarray (ADAM) technology, Maxim analyst Anthony Vendetti remains confident in the company’s long-term growth prospects. Specifically pointing to its Qtrypta therapy for migraines and cluster headaches, the analyst noted that there is a significant market opportunity. Among current patients suffering from migraines, 74% receive insufficient treatment, according to a MAST (Migraine in America Symptoms and Treatment) study from 2017. “In our opinion, Qtrypa has the ability to provide a fast, non-oral treatment for migraines, which according to the Migraine Research Foundation, is the third most prevalent disorder in the world,” he stated.The drug’s NDA was accepted by the FDA on March 4, and Vendetti sees gains in store as he believes clinical data supports its approval in October. In the ZOTRIP Phase 2/3 clinical study, the drug was able to provide pain relief in 81% of patients two hours after treatment. Additionally, he reminds investors to consider the implications of the therapy beyond migraines. “Furthermore, we believe the company's ADAM technology can be used as a drug delivery system for future immunotherapy, proteins, and biologics,” he explained.The analyst concluded, "The acceptance of the NDA for Qtrypta by the FDA represents another positive step towards bringing an innovative therapy for migraine sufferers to market, and we believe that the capital raises get ZSAN closer to the PDUFA goal date of October 20, 2020, a potentially transformative date for the company. We are bullish on the opportunity for its Adhesive Dermally Applied Microarray (ADAM) technology."As a result, Vendetti rates Zosano shares a "buy" alongside a $2.00 price target which implies nearly 260% upside from current levels. (To watch Vendetti’s track record, click here)Biocept Inc. (BIOC)Biocept is developing cutting-edge diagnostic solutions that can possibly provide critical information to both cancer patients and doctors using a simple blood test called liquid biopsy. Given the technology’s potential, some members of the Street see big things in store.This is the case for Mintz as his fund added a BIOC holding to the portfolio on March 2. Acquiring a 9.71% stake in the company, Sabby Capital spent $3.6 million to buy 9 million shares.Like Mintz, Maxim Group’s Jason McCarthy has high hopes for the biotech. He doesn’t dispute the fact that in liquid biopsy, the actual circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) only represents a small percentage of circulating DNA and the rest gets released as a normal part of the cell’s life cycle in the form of cfDNA. That being said, he points out, “Biocept’s Switch-Blocker technology is designed to suppress amplification of wild-type targets, without suppressing mutant sequences containing even one single nucleotide variant (SNV). On top of this, the technology allows for real-time PCR.It doesn’t hurt that the “Clinical validation of qPCR Target Selector assays using highly specific switch-blockers for rare mutation detection” study supports the use of liquid biopsy and switch blocker technology. In the study, which looked at the EGFR, BRAF and KRAS gene mutations, a high concordance between Target Selector liquid biopsy and traditional biopsy was discovered.“Demonstrating concordance to tissue is an essential step in establishing a liquid biopsy. Tissue is the gold standard, though isn't always practical and can have issues relating to tumor heterogeneity. The new data helps further display the performance of Target Selector, which should help drive continued adoption in 2020,” McCarthy commented.It should also be noted that these mutations are seen in several types of cancers, and that two approved therapies, Tagrisso and Mekinist, targeting these mutations generated $3 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, in 2019.To this end, McCarthy stayed with the bulls, reiterating his Buy rating and $1 price target. Should the target be met, a 186% twelve-month gain could be in the cards. (To watch McCarthy’s track record, click here)Heat Biologics (HTBX)With its proprietary T-cell Activation Platform (TCAP), Heat Biologics has been able to create therapies that enable a patient’s own immune system to defend itself against cancer cells. Its two platforms, ImPACT and ComPACT, were designed based on the heat shock protein, gp96. Among the biotech’s fans is the Sabby Capital manager. His fund added a new position comprised of 4.3 million shares at $0.35 per share. The total purchase value comes in at more than $1.5 million, with the fund now a 7.49% owner of the company. More recently, HTBX has made a splash after it announced that through its subsidiary, Zolovax, it is launching a coronavirus vaccine program. Using gp96, the biotech will design a vaccine that takes advantage of the protein’s immune activating capabilities. According to Jason McCarthy, who also covers this stock, the fact that gp96 is used in both oncology and infectious diseases makes it especially promising in the battle against coronavirus.In addition, McCarthy believes that the technology’s efficacy in other infectious diseases bodes well for the company. “Previously, the gp96 platform has been evaluated in numerous NIH (National Institutes of Health) and DOD (U.S. Department of Defense)-funded preclinical trials, against HIV/SIV, malaria, Zika and other infectious diseases. The results demonstrated potent immune response and induction of mucosal immunity in animal models,” the analyst noted.Even though HTBX has been weighed down thanks to exchange agreements around warrants, McCarthy points out that since February 28, shares are up 82%.Based on all of the above, McCarthy left both his Buy rating and $1 price target unchanged. This conveys his confidence in HTBX’s ability to soar 67% in the next twelve months.To find good ideas for biotech stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.

DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 4, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (NASDAQ:HTBX) , a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of therapeutic vaccines, today ...

Shares of nanocap Heat Biologics (HTBX) have almost quadrupled over the last 10 days. While the overall market has been gripped by turmoil on account of the growing threat of the coronavirus, it has been kind to those fighting the battle against it spreading any further. Several names in the space have seen their valuations increase substantially since the virus was first reported, on account of the possibility of bringing to market vaccinations or treatments. Heat Biologics is one of the latest to make headway.Last week the company announced that subsidiary Zolovax has formally launched a program to develop a vaccine for treating or preventing infection from SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing the current outbreak (COVID-19). The company has entered into a collaboration with the University of Miami to develop a gp96-based vaccine, and under the terms of the collaboration, the university will develop and test one or more vaccine constructs using the gp96 heat shock protein backbone.Heat has also filed a provisional patent application covering the use of its gp96 vaccine platform for the treatment or prevention of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.The immunogenic properties of heat shock proteins are part of what makes Heat’s technology ideal in targeting the coronavirus. gp96, in particular, is different in that it can target both the innate and adaptive immune system arms. This means it can effectively target tumors, and in the coronavirus’ case, pathogens.The company expects its novel approach will trigger a potent immune response, without the drawbacks of possible genomic integration of foreign DNA or the viral vector instability that can come with attenuated viral vaccines.The platform’s potential has not gone unnoticed by Maxim’s Jason McCarthy. The analyst argues “the gp96 heatshock platform may be uniquely positioned to address COVID-19.” On top if its differentiated approach, McCarthy notes that perhaps most importantly, Heats' gp96 platform has been used in over 300 people so far and is “already demonstrating activity preclinically against a number of viruses.” These include numerous NIH (National Institutes of Health) and DOD (U.S. Department of Defense)-funded preclinical trials, against HIV/SIV, malaria, Zika and other infectious diseases.“The results demonstrated potent immune response and induction of mucosal immunity in animal models. Importantly, these studies have also demonstrated immunity in a number of organs including the lungs,” McCarthy noted.As a results, McCarthy keeps his Buy rating on HTBX intact. The promising developments see the analyst raising his price target, which doubles from $1 to $2. The new figure implies upside potential of a hefty 174%. (To watch McCarthy’s track record, click here)To find good ideas for biotech stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.

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DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, including one for coronavirus COVID-19, announced today the formation of its COVID-19 Advisory Board (CAB) with four key appointments: Justin Stebbing MD, PhD, Raymond Pickles, PhD, Natasa Strbo MD, DSc, and Lanying Du, PhD. Heat's COVID-19 Advisory Board was established with leading thought leaders to propel Heat's COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 diagnostic programs.

DURHAM, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 23, 2020 / Heat Biologics, Inc. ("Heat") (HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specialized in the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, including one for coronavirus COVID-19, today reported that it is collaborating with the University of Miami to develop a proprietary UM COVID-19 point-of-care diagnostic test. The new, patient-friendly test will require a simple pharyngeal throat swab to deliver on-the-spot results on a paper strip in under 30 minutes. Preliminary research suggests the new test is specific to the novel coronavirus, with no cross-reaction to previous coronavirus subtypes.