Scientists at Advaxis, Inc. the live, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) immunotherapy company, recently had their research using ADXS31-164, a live Listeria vaccine that targets Her2, published in a leading peer reviewed journal (Shahabi, et al 2010 Cancer Gene Therapy epublished ahead of print).
“It has performed quite well in a number of preclinical models. We hope to be in the clinic shortly with this agent to develop it for a number of cancer indications.”
Her2 is a tumor antigen found in many cancers including; breast, stomach, brain, and others. The article presents research conducted with this novel active immunotherapy in various Her2 tumor models. The Her2 antigen is the same one targeted by the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin®, Roche Group, OTCQX: RHHBY). Unlike antibodies which can only attack portions of antigens that are outside the cells, cellular immunotherapies like ADXS31-164 can attack the portions of the antigen that protrude inside the cell as well.
Advaxis has begun a manufacturing program for human grade ADXS31-164 for clinical trials.
“Our 2nd generation live Listeria vaccine uses a novel form of the Her2 antigen,” said Advaxis EVP of Science and Operations Dr. John Rothman. “It has performed quite well in a number of preclinical models. We hope to be in the clinic shortly with this agent to develop it for a number of cancer indications.”
Source : Advaxis