Following Malvern-based Galera Therapeutics providing updated results from early-stage testing of its experimental cancer therapy, the biopharmaceutical company saw its stock surge by more than 40 percent, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

After closing at $6.61 per share on Wednesday, the company’s stock began trading at $9.34 on Thursday.

Galera is developing proprietary cancer therapies that have the potential to transform radiotherapy. Its small-molecule drug candidates aim to protect normal cells while sensitizing cancer cells to radiation therapy.

The company’s new drug candidate, GC4419, also referred to as avasopasem, is for advanced pancreatic cancer. The Phase 1/2 pilot trial is testing the experimental treatment in patients who are in the process of undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy.

The updated report held encouragement. Results after six months for all 42 patients were consistent with positive results seen at just three months.

“The data from this trial continue to impress, showing consistent and durable benefits across multiple measures, including the most important for the patient, overall survival,” said Dr. Mel Sorensen, CEO of Galera.

Phase 2 study with 160 patients will start in the first half of 2021.

Read more about Galera Therapeutics in the Philadelphia Business Journal.