Scancell Holdings PLC (AIM:SCLP, OTC:SCNLF) has partnered with the NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad to accelerate recruitment for the next phase of its clinical trial in advanced melanoma.
The company said on Monday that eligible NHS patients will be fast-tracked into the fourth cohort of its ongoing phase II SCOPE study, which is evaluating iSCIB1+, a DNA-based cancer vaccine delivered intradermally. Patients in this cohort will also be receiving standard immunotherapy treatments.
The NHS Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad, launched last May, is a national trial referral programme designed to connect patients with emerging cancer therapies.
NHS hospitals across the UK will participate in the initiative, with the first referrals expected from May. Scancell is the first UK company to join the programme, and iSCIB1+ is the first DNA vaccine to be included.
The study is being coordinated by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit.
Melanoma accounts for around 4% of new cancer cases in the UK. While immunotherapies are standard treatments for patients with advanced, inoperable forms of the disease, only around half respond effectively.
Scancell said iSCIB1+ is designed to target antigen-presenting cells via the CD64 receptor and stimulate high-avidity T cell responses, potentially creating lasting immune memory.
As part of the trial, participants will undergo a blood test to determine their HLA type, which governs how their immune system responds.
"Cancer vaccines have the potential to transform immunotherapy, redefine treatment options and ultimately save lives," said Dr Nermeen Varawalla, Scancell's chief medical officer.
"Recent clinical data has demonstrated that our potent, tumour-targeted 'off-the-shelf' cancer vaccine delivers strong efficacy, with the potential for meaningful long-term survival benefits in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma.
"Our partnership with the CVLP will give patients expedited access to this landmark study and is an important step in accelerating the clinical development of this important new treatment."