Cancer vaccine goes 'live'

International biopharmaceutical company Cobra Biomanufacturing has signed an agreement with Advaxis to supply clinical trials and, potentially, commercial supplies of the active ingredient for its Listeria monocytogenes-based cancer vaccine. Advaxis' lead product is due to start clinical trials as a cervical cancer treatment within a year.

Research carried out in the laboratory of Dr Yvonne Paterson, scientific founder of Advaxis, demonstrates that an attenuated form of the bacterium Listeria can effectively induce the body's immune system to fight cancer.

J Todd Derbin, ceo of Advaxis, said: 'It is very important to Advaxis to be working with a CMO that manufactures to US and European regulatory standards, and offers us multiple options in the planning of future clinical trials in a range of indications.'

Cobra, with its leading technologies and capabilities in the manufacture of DNA, viruses and proteins, is already using its expertise for the production of L. monocytogenes for the preclinical studies being undertaken by Advaxis. This production will increase significantly as L. monocytogenes moves into the clinic; Phase I trials are expected to last 12 months.

David Thatcher, ceo of Cobra Biomanufacturing, added: 'We are delighted that Advaxis has chosen Cobra as manufacturing partner for its lead product. We intend this to be a long-term commitment, providing material from pre-clinical to commercial supply.'