Pre-clinical data has shown that Scancell Holdings PLC’s (LON:SCLP) Modi-2 vaccine has the potential to treat different types of cancer to its forerunner, Modi-1.
Modi-2 is the second vaccine developed from Scancell’s Moditope platform after Modi-1, the lead Moditope vaccine which is due to enter the clinic in 2019.
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The two drugs work in slightly different ways, although both stimulate the production of CD4 T cells, which seek out and kill tumour cells that would otherwise be hidden from the immune system.
Modi-1 will be tested as a treatment for breast and ovarian cancers, as well as sarcoma (tumours found in fat, muscle, bone and tendons) when its clinical trial begins next year.
But Scancell thinks Modi-2 has the potential to address different cancer indications to Modi-1, including tumours which work particularly hard to suppress the immune system.
“We are pleased to be able to provide an update on the progress of our second Moditope vaccine, Modi-2,” said chief scientific officer Lindy Durrant.
“The data clearly demonstrates the potential of homocitrullinated (Modi-2), as well as citrullinated (Modi-1), tumour-associated peptide epitopes to be developed for the treatment of solid cancers.”
Scancell shares rose 0.8% to 7.8p in mid-afternoon trade.
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