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The First Major Launch of a Cancer Vaccine, Designed to Prevent Human Papillomavirus and Therefore Cervical Cancer, is Expected in 2006

Posted on: Friday, 27 January 2006, 12:00 CST

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c31753) has announced the addition of Outlook for Cancer Vaccine Development to their offering.

The incorporation of monoclonal antibodies into oncology therapy regimens has created an environment of acceptance toward new biologic therapies. Developers of cancer vaccines will be able to use this acceptance to establish these treatments as viable therapeutic options. The first major launch of a cancer vaccine, designed to prevent human papillomavirus and therefore cervical cancer, is expected in 2006.

In this report, the unmet needs in the cancer therapeutic market are discussed and the report identifies how cancer vaccines may fulfill those needs. The report outlines the types of cancer vaccines and profile several vaccines in late-stage development. It identifies challenges and opportunities facing cancer vaccines in view of their short history and discusses the outlook for the vaccine market

Business Implications

The incorporation of monoclonal antibodies into oncology therapy regimens has created an environment of acceptance toward new biologic therapies. Developers of cancer vaccines will be able to use this acceptance to establish these treatments as viable therapeutic options. The first major launch of a cancer vaccine, designed to prevent human papillomavirus and therefore cervical cancer, is expected in 2006.

The regulatory concerns of autologous vaccines and the possibility of marginal efficacy are two factors that will affect the chances of approval and commercial success of cancer vaccines. These factors contribute to a cautious outlook for near-term therapeutic cancer vaccine development.

The pharmaceutical industry has not shown much interest in developing (or partnering with companies who are developing) autologous vaccines. Although some companies are succeeding with their development of an autologous vaccine (such as Dendreon's Provenge), it is anticipated that the use of autologous vaccines will be short-lived and the focus will continue to shift toward allogeneic vaccine designs. An exception may be the medical device industry, which has become increasingly intent on adding biopharmaceuticals to its product line. These companies may prove to be a more likely partnering option for developers of autologous vaccines.

Ultimately, cancer vaccines could find their place among chemotherapy and biologic treatments and be incorporated into first- through third-line treatment regimens as well as in the adjuvant setting. It is predicted that cancer vaccines will expand the overall market for cancer treatments rather than replace current therapies.

Companies mentioned:

-- Merck

-- GlaxoSmithKline (MedImmune)

-- Dendreon

-- Cell Genesys

-- Aphton (Sanofi-Pasteur)

-- Therion Biologics

-- CancerVax (Serono)

-- Antigenics

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c31753

Source: Decision Resources

Source: Business Wire

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