GSK cervical cancer drug induces immune response

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the results of a study of its cervical cancer candidate drug Cervarix, with the data showing that the compound induces an immune response to human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 in the bloodstream in women aged 15 to 55.

This immune response was found to correlate with the level of antibodies in cervico-vaginal secretions, while these antibodies were sustained for at least a year following administration of the vaccine.

Antibody levels in the bloodstream of patients in the trial were similar to those seen in tests of women aged 15 to 25, suggesting complete efficacy for the vaccine over 5.5 as a preventative measure against the contraction of precancerous lesions resulting from human papillomavirus types 16 and 18.

James Tursi, director of medical affairs at GSK in North America, said: “These results are exciting, as they confirm that the higher the antibody levels in the blood, the higher the levels in the cervico-vaginal secretions – and present at the site of infection – where they are needed most.”

He added that the trial data is key in helping the company better understand the operation of Cervarix in conjunction with innovative adjuvant AS04 can protect against cancer-causing viruses in patients.

Last month, GSK reported that the best means of protecting individuals against cervical cancer is to use both routine screening together with a vaccination against the most common virus forms that can cause the condition.