Why the PYC Therapeutics (ASX:PYC) share price is up 11% today

The PYC Therapeutics share price is higher today after the company announced that it has added another drug to its pipeline.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Today, the PYC Therapeutics (ASX: PYC) share price is up 11.11% to 20 cents at the time of writing. The surge in the PYC Therapeutics share price came after the company added a new drug to its pipeline.

row of piggy banks with large one receiving injection representing rising Immutep share price

Image source: Getty Images

What was the announcement?

PYC Therapeutics has added a new drug to its pipeline for the treatment of 'Autosomal Dominant Optic Atrophy' (ADOA) caused by mutations in the OPA1 gene. The disease causes blindness and, according to PYC Therapeutics, it affects 1 in every 30,000 people. The company has also advised that no treatment is currently available for this type of ADOA, with those suffering from the disease losing vision rapidly in childhood and early adolescence. 

The new drug, known as VP-002, works by correcting a protein deficiency in cells which are affected by the OPA1 type of ADOA. The company expects the drug to have a rapid path into clinical development due to synergies across its existing drug programs. The drug will utilise the same proprietary delivery method as other drugs in PYC Therapeutics' pipeline. The company has stated that it is in the pre-clinical stages of developing a technology for the delivery of drugs directly into the retina for blinding eye diseases. According to PYC Therapeutics, it will also use its existing 'backbone' chemistry to develop VP-002.

About the PYC Therapeutics share price

PYC Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company which is developing a range of drugs that can be injected directly into cells. The drug maker has been listed on the ASX since 2005.

On 6 October 2020, PYC Therapeutics made an announcement that it had added another drug to its pipeline. The new drug is intended to treat diabetes-related retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration which, according to the company, are the two leading causes of blindness globally.

In the year to 30 June 2020, PYC Therapeutics posted a loss of 0.26 cents per share. The company had $7.24 million cash on hand at 30 June 2020.

The PYC Therapeutics share price is up 365.12% since its 52-week low of 4.3 cents and is up 233.33% since the beginning of the year. The PYC Therapeutics share price is up 233.33% since this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Chris Chitty has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Woman in business suit holds both hands out with a question mark above each hand.
Opinions

2 ASX 300 shares I'm close to buying next!

These ASX 300 shares look like a great buy to me today!

Read more »

A wide-smiling businessman in suit and tie rips open his shirt to reveal a green t-shirt underneath.
Record Highs

This ASX lithium giant just hit a record high again. Here's why investors keep chasing it

PLS shares hit another record high as lithium prices keep climbing.

Read more »

A miner in a hardhat and high visibility clothing makes a thumbs up symbol.
Record Highs

Why Rio Tinto shares just hit a new record high on Tuesday

Rio Tinto shares hit a record high as copper and iron ore shine.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face.
Share Gainers

3 ASX 200 shares tipped to climb another 35%

These shares have helped push the ASX 200 Index higher.

Read more »

A person working on a computer holds a lightbulb that is connected to the network and shining brightly.
Broker Notes

Origin Energy shares: Experts argue the case to buy, hold, and sell

Three experts present three different ratings.

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Share Gainers

Why Boss Energy, Macquarie, Nova Minerals, and WiseTech shares are storming higher today

These shares are climbing more than most on Tuesday. What's going on?

Read more »

Lines of codes and graphs in the background with woman looking at laptop trying to understand the data.
52-Week Lows

These 3 ASX 200 stocks hit a 52-week low: Buy, sell or hold?

These shares have all tumbled in value this year.

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with a pained expression on his face and a laptop in front of him.
Share Fallers

Why Clarity, Qantas, Universal Store, and Westpac shares are falling today

Let's see why these shares are missing out on the market's move higher today.

Read more »