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Next-Gen Cancer Therapeutics: Promise or Peril?

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This one is gambling on designing advanced "keys" for cancer cells.
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 Another day…

Another unprofitable biotech firm. 

This one is gambling on designing advanced "keys" for cancer cells. 

While it sounds cool…they are burning cash like crazy. 

But that hasn't stopped promoters from pumping Hillstream BioPharma Inc. (NASD: HILS).

With the stock down more than 80% from its 52-week highs…we take a look to see if there's any value in the name. 

Hillstream BioPharma Inc. (NASD: HILS) 

1-month trading range: $0.335 - $0.4350

Typical average daily volume: 594K

Float: ~ 10.3 million 

Hillstream BioPharma

Hillstream BioPharma is like a lock-smith for cells. Cancer cells can act like locked rooms, with valuables (cell components) protected by different locks (proteins on the cell surface). 

Hillstream is working on creating keys (antibodies) to these locks. They focus particularly on cancers that have proven resistant to other keys.

Their main key in development is HSB-3215, an advanced key that targets HER2 and HER3 proteins, often found in breast, lung, and other solid tumors. 

This new key is unique because it fits a lock mechanism that existing keys haven't targeted (it targets unique functional epitopes).

They also work on something called "magic bullets," known as Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), which are like keys with explosives attached. Once the key unlocks the cell, it releases a chemotherapeutic payload that kills the cancer cell.

Finally, they're working on another unique key, HSB-1940. This one is created by a method inspired by cows and camels that lets it fit into difficult-to-reach locks (challenging epitopes), something traditional keys can struggle with.

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Source: Hillstream BioPharma

All of this work aims to create new, efficient ways to break into these cancer cells, especially those that have proven tricky so far.

On July 20th, the company announced its expanding collaborations to develop next-gen cancer therapeutics, known as Picobodies, that target HER3 and another undisclosed target. 

The work involves their leading program, HSB-3215, a HER2/HER3 bispecific antibody. Hillstream plans to file an IND for HSB-3215 in 2024.

Financials

1Ny1mWzDXJqwFVLqJr5hEhf97iJ5oB94I5Ub4Oj3TLe5v8jKPzfBdSrRiMkHGcOk1FP_ip1Wf_4NcgA_t_eumkT9aJ1lrJGcWCnz52UiP0f1G96xVHSble-ZKFwWV9njEN0xTn-hcIyHRgyFn4iVIRw

Source: Stockanalysis.com

When you dive into the numbers, there are several concerns…they include:

  • Negative Operating Income and Net Income: The operating income and net income have been negative over the past years, indicating that the company has not been profitable. This is a significant concern for potential investors and creditors.
  • Increasing Selling, General & Admin (SG&A), and Research & Development (R&D) Expenses: Both the SG&A and R&D costs have been increasing over the years. While investment in R&D could lead to future growth, the increasing trend of these expenses is worrying if the company cannot generate sufficient revenues to cover these costs.
  • Negative EPS: The negative EPS over the years shows that the company is not generating profits for its shareholders. Consistently negative EPS may lead to a decline in the company's share price.
  • Negative Free Cash Flow: The free cash flow has been negative over the years, indicating that the company is not generating enough cash from its operations to support its investment activities. A negative free cash flow is usually a red flag for investors as it might mean the company struggles to generate a positive cash inflow.
  • Accumulation of Debt: The company has accumulated a substantial amount of debt over the years, which has led to an increasing debt load, as shown by the 'Debt Growth.' High debt levels can be concerning as they may lead to financial distress if the company cannot service its debt obligations.

Hence the need for promoters to help juice up the stock price and for the company to make a stock offering. 

Promoter Activity

I heard about HILS through one promoter.

Here are there main highlights of the company:

  • It has a relatively low float
  • Its current pipeline is aimed at providing near-term value for shareholders.
  • It has an exclusive agreement with a leading institute to help them build an antibody platform to advance their pipeline.
  • It has added some key players to the Board of Directors, which could potentially help the company develop its programs. 

Overall, nothing super urgent or compelling. 

Nonetheless, they received $25K to run an awareness campaign from 7/18 to 7/19. 

Straight to the Facts

This company needs an exciting PR if it wants to move higher. 

Its latest attempts to pump the stock have been weak. 

However, it has run up to $2.65 in the past…so the potential exists.  

But the promoters must do a better job of getting traders excited about this symbol.

 

Always at your service,

Baron Von Stocks

 

 

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