CHICAGO – MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. (NYSE American: MAIA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of $52 million, has announced a collaboration with BeiGene (NASDAQ:) to conduct Phase 2 trials evaluating the efficacy of its telomere-targeting agent, THIO, in combination with the checkpoint inhibitor tislelizumab. These trials will target hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). According to InvestingPro data, analysts have set price targets ranging from $11.25 to $14.00 for MAIA stock, suggesting significant upside potential from its current $2.06 share price.
Preclinical studies have shown that THIO, when used with a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI), can transform non-responsive tumors into ones that respond to CPI treatment. MAIA’s THIO has received orphan drug designation from the FDA for HCC and SCLC treatment, indicating its potential in these areas. BeiGene’s tislelizumab has also been recognized for its effectiveness across various tumor types.
The agreement stipulates that MAIA will sponsor and fund the clinical trials while BeiGene will supply tislelizumab. MAIA retains the rights to develop and commercialize THIO globally and can explore its use with other agents and indications. The company is also aiming for accelerated FDA approvals for THIO in the three cancer types, as well as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is currently undergoing a separate Phase 2 trial with THIO and a CPI.
The market for HCC treatments, which is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, was valued at $780 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% to $1.5 million by 2034. SCLC therapies, accounting for about 15% of lung cancers, had a global market value of approximately $6.5 billion in 2024, with an estimated CAGR of 12.3% from 2024 to 2034. CRC, the second leading cause of cancer deaths, had a market size of $9.26 billion in 2018, projected to reach $26.49 billion by 2032. While pursuing these substantial market opportunities, InvestingPro analysis shows MAIA maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 2.56, indicating robust short-term financial stability.
THIO is a first-in-class investigational agent targeting telomeres, critical for cancer cell survival and resistance to therapies. It has shown promise in inducing selective cancer cell death and activating immune responses.
This news is based on a press release statement and should be considered in the context of MAIA’s forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated outcomes. InvestingPro subscribers have access to additional insights, including 7 more ProTips and detailed financial metrics that can help evaluate MAIA’s investment potential. Notable among these is MAIA’s strong cash position relative to debt, though analysts anticipate the company will not be profitable this year.
In other recent news, MAIA Biotechnology, Inc. has raised its maximum aggregate offering price from $11,280,000 to $30,000,000, according to a prospectus supplement filed recently. This move is expected to generate additional funds through the sale of common stock, as the company continues to advance its research and development efforts. The financial strategy was accompanied by a legal opinion from Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP regarding the legality of the shares.
In parallel, MAIA Biotechnology has expanded its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial, THIO-101, targeting patients resistant to prior checkpoint inhibitor therapies and chemotherapy. The trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of THIO, MAIA’s lead drug candidate, in combination with Regeneron (NASDAQ:)’s Libtayo® for the treatment of third-line non-small cell lung cancer patients. Interim results from the trial have shown promising results, with a reported overall response rate of 38% and a disease control rate of 88%.
Additionally, MAIA has updated its clinical supply agreement with Regeneron to provide additional supply of Libtayo® for the expanded trial. These are recent developments showing MAIA Biotechnology’s proactive approach to funding its operations and research initiatives, and its commitment to advancing its product pipeline.
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