UK gives nod to BioNTech’s mRNA based cancer vaccine trials on patients

London

The UK government on Wednesday gave go-ahead to the German pharma company, BioNTech to start human trials of its mRNA-based cancer vaccine.

BioNTech’s mRNA-based cancer drug delivers personalized immunotherapies, a new type of treatment where the cure is tailored as per a patient’s tumour.

The British government has signed an agreement with BioNTech to provide cancer treatment facilities to at least 10,000 patients by 2030.

However, the first patient registration for cancer treatment trials will likely start by 2026.

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UK’s National Health Service will make use of the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad to further improve the mRNA cancer vaccine’s efficacy.

The clinical trials have already begun in England and BioNTech is planning to set up new labs in Cambridge to better facilitate the human trials.

Commenting on the development, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said it will take Britain a step closer to providing life-saving cancer treatment to patients.

“Personalised mRNA-based cancer vaccines have the potential to completely revolutionize the way we treat this cruel disease. It is hugely welcome that, thanks to today’s announcement, clinical trials will be rolled out widely,” he added.

The cancer vaccine is created by analyzing a patient’s tumour and its mutations, and then deliver immunotherapy according to it.