Top biopharma company GlaxoSmithkline (GSK) has entered a partnership with the University of Oxford for research into cancer vaccines.
GSK announced the partnership in a press release on 27 January, saying the GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Programm will carry out translational research on how cancer develops in humans to bring insight into vaccine design to prevent it.
As part of its role, the company will invest up to 50 million pounds for a minimum of three years to support the project.
Nipping cancer in the bud
According to GSK, most cancers take years or even decades to develop from normal cells to precancerous cells (or precancer) to cancer.
The partnership with Oxford is no surprise because the university has a global reputation for pre-cancer biology, including identification and sequencing of neoantigens, or tumour-specific proteins that prompt the immune system to recognise cancer.
With this knowledge, possibilities may exist for preventing precancerous cells from becoming fully grown cancer cells through vaccines or targeted medicines.
Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK, said:
“We’re pleased to further strengthen our relationship with Oxford University and to combine the deep knowledge of Oxford and GSK scientists. By exploring precancer biology and building on GSK’s expertise in the science of the immune system, we aim to generate key insights for people at risk of developing cancer.”
GSK and Oxford University have an existing relationship in medical research. This partnership will therefore build on the existing relationship to explore preventive medicine for cancer.
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said:
“This partnership represents a step forward in cancer research. By working with GSK to unite experts in clinical trials, immuno-oncology, vaccinology and precancer research from across the University of Oxford, we aim to unlock the potential of cancer vaccines and bring hope to patients worldwide.”
Picking the challenge from Russia
For most people, this giant step in cancer prevention may have been inspired by Russia, which launched a free cancer vaccine for all its citizens late last year.
The cancer vaccine rollout was a major breakthrough, and served as a challenge to the U.S. and other European countries.
Thankfully, the UK is acting on the challenge to make cancer prevention a reality, but it is yet unknown if the c=vaccines will be for free as well.
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