Verona Pharma Share Discussion Threads

[corbine] 11/4/2016 22:14

Brilliant finds and great thoughts.
A good read and thanks for sharing.
Corbs :-)

[vasilis] 11/4/2016 14:57

Good work Tim.

It pays to at least read the 'Summary of the Invention' on pages 4 and 5 of the PCT regarding the new suspension formula to appreciate in summary form what VRP have discovered re the enhanced and prolonged efficacy of the new formulation. The findings also seem to have a somewhat serendipitous air about them as they are described as 'surprising' - scientist-speak for 'I didn't expect that' or similar more fruity phrases.

As for the new patent filing in respect of CFTR related disorders, this does indeed look interesting. CF as we know is classified as an orphan disease and new treatments are being developed such as this one which received a patent last October in the US -


Note especially the paragraph - 'The drug was designed to be effective as a monotherapy or in combination with approved and in-development CF Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) modifier medications in order to slow the progression to lung failure. CFTR modifier medications represent a major revolution in CF treatment because these agents target the basic defect as opposed to targeting the effects of the disease.'

A possible candidate to become a combo with RPL554's CFTR activation mechanism?

[shakin not stirred] 11/4/2016 08:49

thanks timbo and an excellent post as usual which helps us all to stay focused on the end prize here.

[timbo003] 10/4/2016 14:10

I have just completed a quick trawl of the patent and patent application data bases and I see that there have been a couple of new publications from Verona within the last couple of weeks, the most significant is the publication of the PCT application (WO2016042313 A1) concerning the suspension formula of RPL554 which published on March 24th 2016:


This is well worth a read through if you are interested in the technical aspects of RPL 554, it contains data (not published elsewhere) which shows that the new suspension formulation is surprisingly superior to the old solution formula in several respects (stability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy), if granted the patent would run until Sept 2035.


The second publication of interest is a notification in The IPO patent journal of a new UK priority patent filing from Verona


30 March 2016 (Journal 6619)

GB1602784.9
Applicant: Verona Pharma Plc
Title: New treatment of CFTR-related disorders
Date Lodged: 17 February 2016

Details are very scant for now, but the title is intriguing. This new application should publish (in full) in August 2017 (6 months after it has been foreign filed)

[aimshares] 01/4/2016 12:55

Small pharma targets multi £billion marketBy Michael Crockett01/04/2016It has been quite a while since AimZine cast its net in search of a share with "multi-bagger" potential. But right now there appears to us to be a number of lowly rated microcaps that could one day be big winners. So, over the coming weeks, we will be sharing these opportunities with readers.For today's article we look at a small pharmaceutical company that has recently reported some very encouraging results from drug trials for its lead compound. The Company is targeting a huge multi-billion pound marketplace. But is it all a pipe dream or is the opportunity real? - AimZine reports on some very positive signs.Verona Pharma (AIM: VRP)http://www.veronapharma.com/IntroductionVerona is a UK-based pharmaceutical Company which is focused on developing its lead compound, RPL554, to treat COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), asthma and cystic fibrosis. The Company is listed on AIM and at a share price of 3.5 pence has a market capitalisation on £34 million.Verona Pharma joined AIM in 2006. At that time the Company, originally named Isis Resources, purchased Rhinopharma, a private Canadian company whose assets included RPL554.Clinical Trial SuccessRPL554 is an inhaled drug which acts both as a bronchodilator* and an anti-inflammatory. Verona claim that this dual effect distinguishes it from existing drugs in this field and that this is the first new class of bronchodilator for decades.*Bronchodilators make breathing easier by relaxing the lungs and widening the airways.Currently the most widely used bronchodilator is Salbutamol (widely sold as a blue inhaler under the trade name Ventolin). Salbutamol has been on the market for over 40 years.Verona recently released results of a dose finding study which compared RPL554 with Salbutamol in asthma patients. The study showed that the bronchodilator effect in RPL554 was comparable to a high dose of Salbutamol and that RPL554 had less serious side effects than Ventolin.Verona's initial focus with RPL554 is to develop the drug for acute exacerbations of COPD in a hospital setting - The World Health Organisation has forecast that COPD will become the third largest killer in the world by 2030. It was particularly encouraging that Verona's trial results issued in September 2015 showed improved lung function in COPD patients and that the drug was well tolerated.At the time of the September RNS house broker, N + 1 Singer, described the COPD trial results as "Stellar" and upgraded Verona's "intrinsic value" 7 pence to 9 pence per share with significant upside potential. The broker also commented that successful progression to Phase III trials would lift their valuation to 28 pence per share - illustrating the multi-bagger potential here.A further trial involving COPD patients taking RPL554 in addition to currently used bronchodilators is ongoing and is expected to report in Q2 2016.What Next? - 2016 and beyondFunding is always a key issue for small drug development companies and 2015 was an expensive year for Verona which conducted a number of clinical trials during the year. The Company has indicated that it will report a loss for 2015 of approximately £8.9 million. This expenditure on the clinical trials has somewhat drained the Company's resources and cash balance at 31 December 2015 were £3.5 million, down from £12.0 million a year earlier.Clinical activity in 2016 is expected to be at a lower level. The Company has indicated that its cash resources are sufficient "to progress RPL554 to the start of Phase IIb clinical trials, earmarked to begin around the end of 2016".The big question is how will the Phase IIb trials and further trials be funded. In a recent 2015 Review RNS statement Verona CEO, Jan Anders Karlsson made the following comment:"Having made marked clinical progress with RPL554, we are currently considering all options for further funding of our development programmes. As part of this process, and as previously stated, the Company recognises that the right commercial partner could bring significant value to the development of RPL554 for chronic maintenance treatment in COPD and perhaps asthma. Verona Pharma therefore continues to be involved in business development discussions around the RPL554 programme."The sharesVerona has attracted a number of institutions to its share register including big names Aviva (18%) and Fidelity (7%). The directors and management own only 3% of the shares but there have been a number of purchases by directors recently - see below.Verona's shares have had some quite major ups and downs but are currently trading at the same level as they were three years ago.AimZine CommentSmall pharmaceutical companies always have a mountain to climb to bring a drug to market. Usually the funding of full clinical trials is way beyond their resources and a key deal with a major partner is required. Many fail to gain the support they require and prove to be poor investments - so the risks are high..............but the rewards for success can be considerable.Verona is targeting a huge marketplace with the inhaled bronchodilator market being valued at tens of billions of GB Pounds. If it is successful then its shares could have considerable potential. Will it succeed? There are a number of positive signs which we find encouraging:1. Verona has attracted a very strong board including two key non-executive directors appointed in 2015 in Ken Cunningham (former CEO of Skyepharma) and Dr Anders Ullman who has some very relevant experience in commercialising a COPD treatment.2. The results from the Clinical trials to date have been very encouraging in showing that the drug is effective and well tolerated.3. Many of the drugs currently used for respiratory diseases have been on the market for a long time and could be ripe for replacement. It is interesting to note that Ventolin which was developed over 40 years ago was originally developed by a team led by the late Sir David Jack who is credited with inventing RPL554.4. Although only 3% of the shares are owned by board members we note that there have been numerous purchases by directors over the last 15 months, with no fewer than thirteen "buy" transactions reported over that period.We look forward to further news from Verona. In particular we will be very interested to hear about plans for the next phase of clinical trials particularly if it involves a significant partnership deal.

[aimshares] 31/3/2016 21:33

Translation in English Company: Verona Pharma plcISIN: GB00B06GSH43Anlass the study: GBC Management Interview Recommendation: Buy Target price: 0,15 EUR Last Rating Change: Analyst: Cosmin FilkerDie Verona Pharma plc has as a developer of drugs for the treatment of respiratory diseases positive results of its Phase IIa study for the lead compound RPL554 announced. These are the results of an in Belfast (Ireland) and in Lund (Sweden) study carried out with the objective of dosage determination in applying the new patented nebulizer formulation (spray) of RPL554. Here, a dose-dependent significant bronchodilator effect has been demonstrated at 29 included asthma patients with all doses across a high safety profile (no severe side effects) .GBC analyst Cosmin Filker talked to the Company's Board Jan-Anders Karlsson on the study results and the ensuing potential. GBC AG: presented by your business results of the study phase IIa proof high bronchodilator effect, combined with minimal side effects, the use of RPL554. Can you explain the study results detail Jan-Anders Karlsson: We have reached all the goals of the study. The atomized drug RPL554 resulted in the patients to a bronchodilatory effect, which was dependent on the dosage used. In addition, the maximum bronchodilator effect of RPL554 was comparable to the effect of the highest dose of salbutamol which is used in the treatment of acute deteriorations of COPD in the Emergency Department. In addition, our drug demonstrated at all dose heavy Nebenwirkungen.GBC AG: According to study results, the maximum bronchodilator effect of the Verona-preparation is comparable to the effect of the highest dose of the currently approved product Salbutamol. Why is this important for the application of RPL554 Jan-Anders Karlsson: COPD patients who are treated with acute exacerbations in the hospital or in home care, typically require an additional bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory treatment, although the maximum dose at approved COPD medicines that often contain salbutamol, get. RPL554 could be a valuable addition to the standard treatment to enhance the desired effect here. In addition, at RPL554 observed in the study fewer side effects than with atomized Salbutamol.GBC AG: While the maximum dosage of RPL554 is 24mg, salbutamol is used with a maximum dose of 7.5 mg. Does this have an impact on the inhalation, one could not help thinking that a higher concentration difficult to breathe for the patient's Jan-Anders Karlsson: Normally, the dosage has no direct influence on the Einatmungsfähigkeiten unless that a larger dosage a longer sputtering time required. On the reduction of the time we work kontinuierlich.GBC AG: You describe that 60 times and therefore large dose range suggesting of RPL554 a high therapeutic range. Can you explain this in more detail, also with regard to other indications Jan-Anders Karlsson: The study has shown that RPL554 is excellently tolerated over a wide dosage range and has a significant bronchodilator. Only a few side effects were recorded. We are therefore confident that RPL554 an important and much needed new treatment option for COPD patients and patients of other respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis or asthma are könnte.GBC AG: The completed Phase IIa study was conducted in patients with asthma. First, however, is the admission of RPL554 for the treatment of COPD in the foreground. Why asthma patients were included in the study Jan-Anders Karlsson: In asthmatics, the dose-response relationships of bronchodilators can be determined more accurately than in COPD patients. Therefore, we decided to carry out this dose finding study in asthma patients, although our main focus is on the indication COPD. Normally in both diseases is the same dosage angewandt.GBC AG: When is the trial going concern and therefore can be expected to start a clinical trial IIb? If this study continues asthma patients are included Jan-Anders Karlsson: According to our current planning, we are the Phase IIb study expected to begin in early 2017th The results of the completed Phase II study will help us to select the doses for the new study. However, the study should be carried out on patients with COPD, as we were the first admission of RPL554 planen.GBC AG for this indication due to the high medical need and large market potential: Currently playing a Phase IIa study in which the effect of RPL554 is being studied in combination with current standard applications in COPD. What is examined here exactly and when to expect results from this study Jan-Anders Karlsson: In the current study, a single 6mg dose of RPL554 with the effect of conventional doses of two common bronchodilators and then compared alone and in combination with these bronchodilators and placebo , The primary objective of the study is to determine whether RPL554 in COPD patients has an additional bronchodilator and is also well tolerated when administered in combination with bronchodilators standard therapy. We expect the study results for the second quarter 2016.GBC AG: The current studies involve a new patented nebulizer formulation of RPL554. What is the advantage of this new formulation Jan-Anders Karlsson: The new formulation of RPL554 is not only production technology scalable, but also very durable and has significantly improved properties compared to the original wording, as the results of a clinical trial in COPD patients have shown. The improved compatibility of the new suspension formulation for spraying the dose range could be extended, which means that the patient can inhale larger doses. Thus, the bronchodilator effect lasts longer. The residence time of the drug could be extended significantly in the lung tissue werden.GBC AG: Since its founding the Verona Pharma plc research and development expenses in the amount of nearly 15 million spent by British pounds. The comparatively expensive trial phases are yet to come. What scenarios for funding the further RPL554 development are played Jan-Anders Karlsson: We are currently reviewing all options for further financing of our development program - whether through the capital market or through partnering?. We believe that the right commercialization partner would bring a significant value for the development of RPL554 as a chronic maintenance therapy in COPD and asthma and therefore possibly business development talks about RPL554 program be continued.

[aimshares] 31/3/2016 21:33

Unternehmen: Verona Pharma plcISIN: GB00B06GSH43Anlass der Studie: GBC Managementinterview Empfehlung: Kaufen Kursziel: 0,15 EUR Letzte Ratingänderung: Analyst: Cosmin FilkerDie Verona Pharma plc hat als Entwickler von Arzneimitteln zur Behandlung von Atemwegserkrankungen positive Ergebnisse ihrer Phase-IIa-Studie für das Hauptpräparat RPL554 bekannt gegeben. Dabei handelt es sich um die Ergebnisse einer in Belfast (Irland) und in Lund (Schweden) durchgeführten Studie, mit dem Ziel der Dosierungsfindung bei der Anwendung der neuen patentgeschützten Zerstäuber-Formulierung (Spray) von RPL554. Hierbei wurde bei 29 einbezogenen Asthmapatienten eine dosisabhängige signifikante bronchienerweiternde Wirkung nachgewiesen, mit einem über alle Dosierungen hinweg hohem Sicherheitsprofil (keine schweren Nebenwirkungen).GBC-Analyst Cosmin Filker hat mit dem Unternehmensvorstand Jan-Anders Karlsson über die Studienergebnisse und die daraus erwachsenden Potenziale gesprochen.GBC AG: Die von Ihrem Unternehmen vorgestellten Ergebnisse der Studienphase-IIa belegen eine hohe bronchienerweiternde Wirkung, kombiniert mit geringen Nebenwirkungen, beim Einsatz von RPL554. Können Sie die Studienergebnisse näher erläutern?Jan-Anders Karlsson: Wir haben alle Ziele der Studie erreicht. Der zerstäubte Wirkstoff RPL554 führte bei den Patienten zu einer bronchienerweiternden Wirkung, die abhängig von der verwendeten Dosierung war. Zudem war die maximale bronchienerweiternde Wirkung von RPL554 vergleichbar mit der Wirkung der höchsten Dosis von Salbutamol, das zur Behandlung bei akuten Verschlechterungen von COPD in der Notaufnahme eingesetzt wird. Außerdem zeigte unser Wirkstoff bei allen Dosierungen keine schweren Nebenwirkungen.GBC AG: Gemäß Studienergebnissen ist die maximale bronchienerweiternde Wirkung des Verona-Präparates vergleichbar mit der Wirkung der höchsten Dosis des derzeit zugelassenen Produktes Salbutamol. Warum ist das für die Anwendung von RPL554 wichtig?Jan-Anders Karlsson: COPD-Patienten, die mit akuten Verschlimmerungen im Krankenhaus oder in der häuslichen Pflege behandelt werden, benötigen typischerweise eine zusätzliche Erweiterung der Bronchien und eine entzündungshemmende Behandlung, obwohl sie die maximale Dosis an zugelassenen COPD-Medikamenten, die oft Salbutamol enthalten, bekommen. RPL554 könnte hier eine wertvolle Ergänzung zur Standardbehandlung sein, um den gewünschten Effekt zu verstärken. Darüber hinaus wurden bei RPL554 in der Studie weniger Nebenwirkungen beobachtet als mit zerstäubtem Salbutamol.GBC AG: Während die maximale Dosierung von RPL554 bei 24mg liegt, wird Salbutamol mit einer maximalen Dosierung von 7,5mg verwendet. Hat dies einen Einfluss auf die Inhalation, man könnte doch denken, dass eine höhere Konzentration schwieriger einzuatmen ist für den Patienten?Jan-Anders Karlsson: Normalerweise hat die Dosierung keinen direkten Einfluss auf die Einatmungsfähigkeiten, es sei denn, dass eine größere Dosierung eine längere Zerstäubungszeit bedarf. An der Verkürzung der Zeit arbeiten wir kontinuierlich.GBC AG: Sie beschreiben, dass die 60fache und damit große Dosierungsbreite von RPL554 auf eine hohe therapeutische Bandbreite hindeutet. Können Sie dies näher erläutern, auch im Hinblick auf weitere Indikationsbereiche?Jan-Anders Karlsson: Die Studie hat gezeigt, dass RPL554 über einen breiten Dosierungsbereich exzellent verträglich ist und eine beträchtliche bronchienerweiternde Wirkung aufweist. Dabei wurden nur wenige Nebenwirkungen registriert. Wir sind daher zuversichtlich, dass RPL554 zu einer wichtigen und dringend benötigten neuen Behandlungsoption für COPD-Patienten und Patienten anderer Atemwegserkrankungen wie Mukoviszidose oder Asthma werden könnte.GBC AG: Die abgeschlossene Phase-IIa-Studie wurde bei Asthmapatienten durchgeführt. Zunächst steht jedoch die Zulassung von RPL554 für die Behandlung von COPD im Vordergrund. Warum wurden Asthma-Patienten in der Studie eingeschlossen?Jan-Anders Karlsson: Bei Asthmatikern können die Dosis-Wirkungs-Beziehungen von Bronchodilatatoren genauer ermittelt werden als bei COPD-Patienten. Deshalb haben wir uns entschieden, diese Dosisfindungsstudie bei Asthma-Patienten durchzuführen, obwohl unser Hauptfokus auf der Indikation COPD liegt. Normalerweise wird in beiden Krankheiten die gleiche Dosierung angewandt.GBC AG: Wann ist mit der Studienfortführung und damit dem Beginn der klinischen Studie-IIb zu rechnen? Sollen für diese Studie weiterhin Asthma-Patienten eingeschlossen werden?Jan-Anders Karlsson: Gemäß unserer aktuellen Planung werden wir die Phase-IIb-Studie voraussichtlich Anfang 2017 beginnen. Die Ergebnisse der abgeschlossenen Phase-II-Studie werden uns dabei helfen, die Dosierungen für die neue Studie auszuwählen. Die Studie soll jedoch an COPD-Patienten durchgeführt werden, da wir für diese Indikation aufgrund des hohen medizinischen Bedarfs und des großen Marktpotenzials die erste Zulassung von RPL554 planen.GBC AG: Derzeit läuft auch eine Phase-IIa-Studie, in der die Wirkung von RPL554 in Kombination mit derzeitigen Standardanwendungen bei COPD untersucht wird. Was wird hier genau untersucht und wann erwarten Sie Ergebnisse aus dieser Studie?Jan-Anders Karlsson: In der laufenden Studie wird eine einzelne 6mg Dosis von RPL554 mit der Wirkung von Standarddosierungen von zwei gängigen Bronchodilatatoren allein und dann in Kombination mit diesen Bronchodilatatoren und Placebo verglichen. Das primäre Ziel der Studie ist es, festzustellen, ob RPL554 bei COPD-Patienten eine zusätzliche bronchienerweiternde Wirkung hat und außerdem gut verträglich ist, wenn es in Kombination mit Bronchodilatatoren der Standardtherapie verabreicht wird. Wir erwarten die Ergebnisse der Studie für das zweite Quartal 2016.GBC AG: Die derzeitigen Studien beziehen eine neue patentgeschützte Zerstäuber-Formulierung von RPL554 ein. Was ist der Vorteil dieser neuen Formulierung?Jan-Anders Karlsson: Die neue Formulierung von RPL554 ist nicht nur produktionstechnisch skalierbar, sondern auch sehr lange haltbar und weist deutlich verbesserte Eigenschaften im Vergleich zur ursprünglichen Formulierung auf, wie die Ergebnisse einer klinischen Studie bei COPD-Patienten gezeigt haben. Durch die bessere Verträglichkeit der neuen Suspensionsformulierung zum Zerstäuben konnte die Dosierungsbreite ausgeweitet werden, was bedeutet, dass die Patienten höhere Dosen inhalieren können. Dadurch hält die bronchienerweiternde Wirkung länger an. Auch konnte die Verweildauer des Wirkstoffs im Lungengewebe bedeutend verlängert werden.GBC AG: Seit der Unternehmensgründung hat die Verona Pharma plc Forschungs- und Entwicklungsaufwendungen in Höhe von nahezu 15,00 Mio. britische Pfund aufgewendet. Die vergleichsweise teuren Studienphasen stehen noch bevor. Welche Szenarien für die Finanzierung der weiteren RPL554-Entwicklung werden durchgespielt?Jan-Anders Karlsson: Wir überprüfen derzeit alle Optionen für die weitere Finanzierung unseres Entwicklungsprogramms - ob über den Kapitalmarkt oder über Partnering. Wir sind der Auffassung, dass der richtige Kommerzialisierungspartner einen signifikanten Wert für die Entwicklung von RPL554 als chronische Erhaltungstherapie in COPD und gegebenenfalls Asthma bringen würde und deshalb Business Development Gespräche über das RPL554-Programm fortgesetzt werden.

[meijiman] 23/3/2016 16:17

Good and thoughtful post-concur.

[vasilis] 23/3/2016 15:34

If I can just add an 'upbeat' note now that I've had the opportunity to look at things a little closer and perhaps add a little more to what Tim said in post 606 regarding the following in the RNS -

'Initiation and end of clinical stage of Phase IIa study in 30 COPD patients
in which RPL554 was administered on top of standard of care bronchodilators; results expected in Q2 2016.'

If the 'clinical stage' has now been completed then the unblinding of the data collected and subsequent analysis should now be taking place. If that's the case then we could reasonably expect topline results to be RNS'd towards the end of April, ie in the first month of Q2 and therefore results could be presented at the meeting of the American Thoracic Society in mid-May.

Additionally, once Verona get the results themselves it is possible that these could be part of 'ongoing discussions' with certain parties on a strictly confidential basis. It is therefore possible - as Tim has pointed out - that some kind of 'funding proposals' could be announced soon after the latest results are made public.

It is therefore possible that the market may have focussed a little too much on the need for further funds down the road and perhaps missed one or two hints regarding certain possible outcomes in the much nearer future. We will no doubt find out very soon, but I'm now more inclined to see the 'Review of 2015' (when has such a review ever been RNS'd in this fashion by Verona?) as perhaps a bit more subtle in purpose and use of language than I first thought. Time will tell.

[aimshares] 22/3/2016 23:45

Crazy that's the only way I can sum it up ,where the share price at the current level after the latest rns .We live and play in the Aim market casino .

[drradcliffe] 22/3/2016 16:47

I know. Dissapointing. I think Vasilis' post 616 sums it all up very well.

[fozzie] 22/3/2016 15:36

Did we actually have any good news last week or was it all a dream?

[corbine] 21/3/2016 10:32

Well timed RNS from BOD to clarify where the company is at regarding trials and cash burn.
Im guessing? Tom will run the vrp story today-reiterate his concern re cash burn, but i would appreciate he uses less foul language and accepts his figures regarding when cash runs out where wrong, he opnely admits he knows eff all about vrp regarding the drug compound what it does etc, but should have realised last placing got us thru these important trials, and further trial info for the year etc is coming -before- we need next placing, with potential to jv before next cash raising.
dont forget the video bod put out said openly 3 sets of news over 3 months, weve had one piece, there are 2 more important parts coming over next 5-6 weeks re 554.
lets see how the bod present this info
( want them to show the fev1 curves /times/as well as showing perhaps the combined dual trial fev1 curves too.
this would make a simple comparison for salbutomol and other drugs?
surely the bod have access to the other meds out there, which are all published data before they went into the market?
salbutomol is 40 years old and benchmark, "gold standard" for copd, and the likes of new drugs such as breo have similar data graphs regarding fev1 as its the main marker for copd (even tho i disagree with it being so important as copd-fev1 is only a snapshot of the pft and patients disease profile.
corbs-imo jmo dyoR etc

[vasilis] 21/3/2016 09:32

The two main paragraphs to note in today's RNS are these -

1 "Having made marked clinical progress with RPL554, we are currently considering
all options for further funding of our development programmes. As part of this
process, and as previously stated, the Company recognises that the right
commercial partner could bring significant value to the development of RPL554
for chronic maintenance treatment in COPD and perhaps asthma. Verona Pharma
therefore continues to be involved in business development discussions around
the RPL554 programme."

2 Cash balance (unaudited) at 31 December 2015 was GBP 3.5 million (2014: GBP
10.0); Clinical activity is expected to be at a lower level in 2016 than in
2015 as the Company plans the next tranche of clinical studies. Thus the
Board believes the Company has sufficient capital to progress RPL554 to the
start of Phase IIb clinical trials, earmarked to begin around the end of
2016.

In essence, either an appropriate partner has to be found by, say, October/November, or a fund raising exercise will have to be undertaken in order to replenish funds before the end of the year when funds are expected to run out. This RNS is therefore clearly stating the financial position to end any speculation of any IMMINENT fund raising exercise.

So, if the BOD can pull off a deal with Big Pharma over the next few months then all well and good - though nothing more than 'discussions' are going on at the moment. And until there is clarity - and the market hates uncertainty - even if the next set of results is positive this is hardly going to do much for the share price in the short term. On the other hand, another set of positive results should strengthen the BOD's hand to get a partnership deal which would bring a degree of certainty to VRP's finances that would also no doubt be reflected in the share price

Let's hope that VRP progresses from 'discussions' to a deal sooner rather than later as I wouldn't like to predict the price per share in any offer/placing exercise if we reach that point in October/November.

[timbo003] 21/3/2016 09:11

I'm not entirely sure about the purpose of the announcement this morning but it was a reassuring read.

Whilst I'm here, it's worth just commenting that SkyePharma and Vectura announced their intention to merge last week which values the combined group at around £1Bn, presumably they will be on the look out for other M&A opportunities once the dust settles.

[meijiman] 17/3/2016 10:37

Yes the appalling behaviour at Cheltenham did cross my mind. Also a quote from Macbeth.....if it is be done 'twere best done quickly.....or summat like that.

[vasilis] 17/3/2016 10:27

Corbs - The only contact details I am aware of are those shown on VRP's website.

Note that if - and it's still an if - a 'book building' exercise is going on at the moment then this will invariably be on an 'in confidence' basis as this is price sensitive information and the first we will hear about it is whan an RNS is formally issued - not before.

fozzie - I share your sentiments but I can honestly tell you that such things are 'par for the course' when it comes to biotech stocks - particularly ones on AIM. However, sentiment can change very quickly when trial results come in consistently positive.

Big Pharma will be keeping a beady eye on RPL554 and if the next set of results is also positive we have an excellent chance of partnering up for later stage trials. So the more we de-risk the formulation being trialled, the greater our chances of partnering. It's therefore really nothing to do with being 'unloved' - it's about proving what we have is worth a 'Big Player' investing many millions of pounds in further development in order to get, eventually, to market. At the end of the day it's all about potential return on investment.

[corbine] 17/3/2016 10:09

meji- hopefully not at cheltenham races then?
:-)

[drradcliffe] 17/3/2016 10:01

Totally agree with the last couple of posts. I remember thinking while watching the last Share Phrophets YouTube video that preannouncing a run of good news was (a) likely to generate a lot of volatility and (b) probably the backdrop to a fundraising exercise. TW is right about funding concerns but then he often makes that point about AIM companies that need additional capital in order to progress their development programs. The progress has been good here - as everyone knows - so I don't really see further funding as anything other than inevitable and part of the company's growth path. Once it's out the way the share price should stabilise then rise.

[corbine] 17/3/2016 09:49

VAS- exactly what i was thinking after listening to it yesterday, better get best price rather than a repeat of the previous one which hurt us bad.
we know it needs to be done at some time shortly but? is when and with at least 2 more sets of news within next 6 weeks (as per interview) get it done and out of way but at best possible price.
corbs-vas /timbo-anyone? u have a working contact tel number? for vrp where we can actually get through to them?
cheers