Advaxis, Inc. (ADXS) Targets Insidious Disease In Unique Way
Advaxis, a New Jersey based clinical-stage biotech company developing the next generation of immunotherapies, has created a unique platform technology based upon the use of live attenuated bacteria that are bio-engineered in a way that redirects the human immune system to attack cancer and other diseases. Advaxis is currently conducting a series of clinical trials for the treatment of various HPV-associated illnesses. Advaxis currently has 15 immunotherapies in development for cancers and infectious diseases.
The company's lead immunotherapy, ADXS-HPV, is being evaluated in four clinical trials for HPV-associated diseases: recurrent/refractory cervical cancer (India), locally advanced cervical cancer (GOG/NCI US study), head and neck cancer (CRUK study), and anal cancer (BrUOG).
ADXS-HPV is designed to target cells expressing the HPV gene E7. Expression of the E7 gene from high-risk HPV variants is responsible for the transformation of infected cells into dysplastic and malignant tissues. Eliminating these cells can eliminate the dysplasia or malignancy. ADXS-HPV is designed to infect antigen-presenting cells and direct them to generate a powerful cellular immune response to HPV E7. The resulting cytotoxic Tcells infiltrate and attack the tumors while specifically inhibiting tumor Tregs and MDSCs in the tumors that are protecting it.
HPV causes a number of different types of cancer. The same types of genital HPV that cause cervical cancer (HPV-16, HPV-18) cause the majority of squamous cell anal cancers. In addition, nearly half of cancers of the vulva and most vaginal cancers are HPV-related. Some other genital cancers (cancers of the penis and urethra) and some head and neck cancers (mostly throat, tongue, and tonsils) are also related to high-risk types of HPV.
In 2009, about 45% of women aged 20 to 24 had HPV according to the Centers for Disease Control. According to the American Cancer Society, the U.S. will experience approximately 12,340 newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases and 7,060 newly diagnosed cases of anal cancer in 2013.
For additional information, visit Advaxis.com
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