Scancell Holdings Plc (LON:SCLP) said it had received “significant scientific endorsement” of its technology after it and a group of collaborators were shortlisted for major award.
It teamed up with BioNTech, Genentech and ISA Pharmaceuticals to form Project Blueprint for Cancer Research UK’s Grand Challenge.
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The team outlined plans to eradicate established tumours with its unique vaccine, which had Scancell’s Modi-3 treatment at its heart.
While ultimately unsuccessful in landing the top prize, the AIM-listed company was “delighted” its submission made it to the final stages.
"We would like to congratulate the winners of Cancer Research UK's Grand Challenge, and to thank Cancer Research UK for putting the challenge forward to some of the best researchers in the world,” said Professor Lindy Durrant, Scancell’s chief scientific officer.
“The shortlisting of our proposal represents a significant scientific endorsement of Scancell's technology and the team remains committed to meeting the challenges of improving cancer vaccines for all patients.”
The drug developer, which is at the cutting edge of immunotherapy where the body’s own defences are used to fight disease, is currently gearing up to take its lead compound, SCIB1, into phase II clinical trials.