Edge Therapeutics will merge with PDS Biotechnology Corporation.

Edge Therapeutics, Inc. and PDS Biotechnology Corporation, a privately-held, clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy company, announced today that their respective boards of directors have approved a definitive merger agreement. The merger is expected to create a combined company with a growing pipeline of next generation cancer immunotherapies based on the proprietary, multi-functional Versamune� technology platform, and sufficient cash to fund operations into 2020.PDS Biotechnology is developing PDS0101 for the treatment of multiple human papilloma virus (HPV)-induced cancers, including cervical, anal and head and neck cancers. PDS Biotechnology plans to initiate multiple Phase 2/3 clinical trials for PDS0101 in HPV-associated cancers. In a Phase 1/2a dose-escalating study of PDS0101, results confirmed preclinical projections of high levels of active HPV-specific killer T-cells (CD8+) and memory T-cell induction. In addition, T-cell responses were independent of patient genetic/HLA sub-types. In the study, no dose-limiting toxicities were observed. In addition to PDS0101, PDS Biotechnology�s pipeline includes multiple preclinical programs developing Versamune�-based cancer immunotherapies in combination with checkpoint inhibitors for various late-stage cancers.Upon the closing of the transaction, the merged company will operate under the PDS Biotechnology Corporation name, and the combined company�s common stock is expected to continue to trade on NASDAQ under a new ticker symbol to be announced at a later date.