INOVIO Pharmaceuticals

Company Overview

Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a leading immuno-oncology company that develops DNA immunotherapies and vaccines, along with proprietary electroporation delivery devices. The company uses synthetic biology platforms for developing its drug candidates.

Inovio uses synthetic biology in its SynCon immune-control strategy, whereby it designs antigens and T cells. The company identifies disease-related antigens, encodes a DNA plasmid with genetic codes for each disease-specific antigen and delivers these plasmids into human cells. The modified cells use the genetic codes to produce the encoded disease antigens. The expressed antigens are recognized by the native immune system, which activates antigen-specific T cells and antibodies that eliminate the antigen-expressing cells. The highly optimized DNA plasmids encode the genetic sequence that initiates the specific immune mechanism. These plasmids are produced via synthetic biology methods.

The SynCon platform is combined with a needle-free proprietary electroporation delivery device. In April 2016, Inovio acquired Bioject Medical Technologies Inc.’s assets, including its needle-free jet-injection system. This will be combined with Inovio’s needle-free electroporation delivery in the expected device for large-population vaccine administration.

Inovio has several drug candidates in clinical trials. VGX-3100, the lead product candidate, is a cervical dysplasia vaccine currently in Phase III trials. Inovio’s VGX-3100 vaccine meets an unmet need, as the current HPV vaccines (Merck’s Gardasil and Glaxo’s Cervarix) do not treat or protect those who are already infected with HPV. This group of women represents a large population. There is no immunotherapy or drug to treat HPV infection, cervical dysplasia or cancer caused by HPV. Thus, VGX-3100 addresses an important need and should be well-received if it is eventually approved.

INO-5401 is in Phase II clinical trials for glioblastoma (partnered with Regeneron) and bladder cancer (Genentech). MEDI0457 is in Phase II trials for head and neck cancer (Medimmune).

Financial Highlights (FY 2024)

Company's Business Segments

• DNA-based Medicines : The company offers DNA-based medicines and vaccines to treat and prevent HPV-associated diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases.