Biotechnology companies specializing in cancer vaccines: 11 notable entities to monitor
In the realm of cancer research, a significant shift is underway as biotech companies worldwide are focusing on developing highly personalized cancer vaccines. These innovative therapies, primarily based on mRNA and neoantigen technology, are showing promising results in various cancer types.
Leading the charge is Nouscom, a Swiss-Italian immunotherapy company, which has raised €67.5 million ($72 million) in a series C round to advance its vaccine candidates NOUS-209 and NOUS-PEV through the clinic. NOUS-209, in particular, demonstrated well-tolerated immune responses and durable tumor shrinkage in phase 1b studies focusing on gastrointestinal tumors.
Meanwhile, Evaxion, a Danish biotech company, has developed EVX-01, a peptide-based neoantigen cancer therapy for the first-line treatment of metastatic and unresectable melanoma. Similarly, VacV Biotherapeutics, a U.K.-based biotech spin-out, is investigating its lead candidate VacV001 in preclinical trials for glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer, using an oncolytic virus vaccine platform.
Takis, an Italian biotech company, boasts four frontline cancer vaccine candidates for a range of indications, with TK003 currently in phase 1 studies. Another Italian contender, Immunomic Therapeutics, is conducting clinical trials for its DNA-based vaccine ITI-3000, a plasmid DNA vaccine targeting the large T antigen of Merkel cell polyomavirus, in a phase 1 trial.
Candel Therapeutics, a U.S.-based biotech company, has seen promising data from its pipeline, particularly with its phase 3 cancer vaccine candidate CAN-2409 in prostate cancer. The global cancer vaccine market, currently valued at $7.31 billion, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.04% from 2023 to 2030.
The challenge of increasing immunogenicity and delivery efficiency of mRNA cancer vaccines is being addressed through advances in nanoparticle delivery systems and immune cell targeting. For instance, Takis is employing lipid nanoparticle technology, while Candel Therapeutics is leveraging oncolytic viruses.
Combination therapies, pairing cancer vaccines with immune checkpoint inhibitors, are showing enhanced anti-tumor efficacy. Moderna, in collaboration with Merck, is a trailblazer with its mRNA-4157 personalized neoantigen vaccine for melanoma, combined with Keytruda (Pembrolizumab). Clinical trials indicate improved survival and reduced recurrence versus checkpoint inhibitor alone.
Beyond these advancements, companies like Infinitopes, Scancell, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Imugene, and Elicio Therapeutics are developing vaccines using similar cutting-edge technologies, each with unique approaches to personalized immunotherapy.
Cancer vaccines have come a long way since the 1980s, with the HPV vaccine being a prime example. Today, the focus is on moving cancer vaccines from generic to highly personalized, combination-based immunotherapies, promising broadening efficacy in various solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
References: 1. Cancer Research UK 2. American Cancer Society 3. National Cancer Institute 4. Moderna Therapeutics Press Release 5. Nature Reviews Cancer
- Biotech companies, such as Nouscom, Evaxion, VacV Biotherapeutics, Takis, Immunomic Therapeutics, Candel Therapeutics, Infinitopes, Scancell, OSE Immunotherapeutics, Imugene, and Elicio Therapeutics, are developing pharmaceuticals based on cell therapy, immunotherapy, and mRNA technology for various medical-conditions, including cancer.
- In the ongoing clinical trials for cancer vaccines, companies like Nouscom, Takis, Immunomic Therapeutics, and Candel Therapeutics are targeting specific types of cancer, such as gastrointestinal tumors, melanoma, glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
- Combination therapies, like Moderna's mRNA-4157 personalized neoantigen vaccine for melanoma coupled with Keytruda (Pembrolizumab), are showing enhanced anti-tumor efficacy compared to traditional immunotherapy approaches.
- The global market for cancer vaccines is growing significantly, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.04% from 2023 to 2030, reflecting the increased focus on science and health-and-wellness in addressing various forms of cancer.
