Scancell merges with Neuphoria after Merck axes trial

UK immunotherapy developer Scancell Holdings has agreed to merge with Nasdaq-listed Neuphoria Therapeutics in an all‑share transaction valuing the deal at roughly $25 million, giving Scancell a Nasdaq listing under the ticker SCLT while retaining its AIM listing; the combined company will operate as Scancell and benefit from up to $89 million in new debt and equity financing to fund a global Phase 3 trial of its lead melanoma immunotherapy iSCIB1+, with existing Scancell shareholders owning about 85.5% and Neuphoria shareholders 14.5% of the combined entity.

Merck recently terminated a clinical trial of its V-01/OPA‑100 cancer vaccine, which was being evaluated in combination with KEYTRUDA in early‑stage non‑small cell lung cancer, citing strategic portfolio considerations and the need to reallocate resources, leaving Scancell’s own melanoma immunotherapy program as a key focus for further development and funding.

In the EU, AstraZeneca has received approval for the combination of Truqap (capivasertib) plus Faslodex (fulvestrant) in patients with advanced ER‑positive, HER2‑negative breast cancer whose tumors have specific PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN alterations, marking a targeted treatment option after progression on endocrine‑based therapy and triggering a milestone payment and future royalties to Astex Therapeutics under the collaboration agreement.