http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/news/view_article.asp?article_id=7710

28 June 2003

Latest News In Life Sciences

Xenova’s breast cancer vaccine

By Business Weekly, 10 June 2003, viewed 271 times, emailed 10 times

Xenova Group plc has signed a two-year manufacturing, development and clinical supply agreement with Pharmexa A/S for the contract manufacture of clinical supplies of a vaccine targeting the human HER-2 protein.

Xenova Group plc has signed a two-year manufacturing, development and clinical supply agreement with Pharmexa A/S for the contract manufacture of clinical supplies of a vaccine targeting the human HER-2 protein.

Manufacture will take place at Xenova’s facility in Cambridge.

The HER-2 protein is commonly found in association with several cancers, such as breast cancer. Pharmexa has developed the AutoVac Protein technology to raise a highly specific controllable antibody based immune response against this and other self-proteins.

Pre-clinical studies indicate that AutoVac vaccination against the HER-2 protein may be an effective therapy against breast cancer.

Xenova has already supplied Pharmexa with clinical trial material under a previous agreement.

Now additional supplies of the vaccine will be made for Phase II clinical trials, scheduled to start in 2004.

David Oxlade, the chief executive of Xenova said: “We are excited to contribute to the development of a promising new product against breast cancer.

“This new contract for the manufacture of recombinant protein vaccine is a well-deserved endorsement of the expertise we have in this area and allows Xenova to maximise the efficient utilisation of our biologicals process development and manufacturing capabilities.”