Melanoma Vaccine Momentum Spurs Interest, Investment

Extract

With one melanoma vaccine already approved for commercial use in Canada, another recently launched within a global vaccine trial network, and several more nearing the final phases of testing, corporate enterprises are teaming up with hospitals, universities, governments—even each other—in anticipation of potentially huge payoffs.

More than 95 different cancer vaccines are in development by more than 50 companies. Dozens are for melanoma alone, which can be one of the most deadly of all cancers and for which there are few efficacious treatments in advanced disease. With more than 47,000 cases, 8,000 deaths, and incidence rates increasing at approximately 4% annually in the United States over the last 25 years, the potential market is substantial.

Last month the vaccine division of French life sciences giant Aventis entered into a multi-year exclusive commercial marketing agreement with northern California’s Eos Biotechnology. Under the pact, Eos will identify genomic targets for new cancer vaccines designed to prevent cancer recurrence. In return, Eos will receive cash, research and development funding, and royalties. Other cancer vaccine corporate partners include Cambridge, Mass.-based Pangaea Pharmaceuticals and Therion Biologics.