The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has yielded an unexpected advancement in the pharmaceutical industry with the approval of the first mRNA vaccines, which GlobalData expects will soon impact other indications.
This historical landmark could have significant implications, primarily in the oncology market since mRNA vaccines were being exclusively investigated in infectious and oncology diseases prior to the pandemic. Historically, mRNA vaccines were of interest in the oncology setting because multiple biomarkers could be targeted by this novel mechanism.
Given the current role of immunotherapies in oncology, mRNA vaccines pose a novel approach to trigger immune reactions against cancer cells. However, the novelty of mRNA vaccines has raised regulatory and manufacturing questions in addition to clinical limitations.
Covid-19 approvals showcase potential of mRNA vaccines
The recent approvals of Pfizer / BioNTech’s and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines in healthy patients, complemented by the historically unmatched magnitude to reach healthy patients worldwide, has helped surpass many barriers for mRNA vaccines while highlighting this novel mechanism of action. GlobalData expects this will propagate a new epicenter of interest in pursuing this drug class in oncology.
Currently, there are 44 ongoing clinical trials exploring mRNA vaccines, of which 23 are investigating infectious diseases. This includes Covid-19, which accounts for 60% of those clinical trials. Interestingly, only four out of the 44 clinical trials have made it to Phase III as a result of the sudden and immense demand to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
From an oncology viewpoint, the current pandemic will still serve to provide essential real-world data about the tolerability and effects of mRNA vaccines, since despite their approval and initial vaccination rollout, the long-term efficacy and side effects are still to be understood. As more data are gathered on these vaccines, GlobalData expects an increasing interest in bringing them into the oncology sector.
Key opinion leaders (KOLs) interviewed by GlobalData have repeatedly shown interest in novel mechanisms of action, particularly in immunotherapy. Prior to the pandemic, mRNA vaccines were one of many promising drug classes that were being explored equally with each other, with no expectation about which would be the next to impact the market. However, the sudden rise of mRNA vaccines makes it a prime candidate since there is a current spotlight on this drug class.
A supporting argument for the interest in mRNA vaccines is that out of the 21 ongoing non-infectious disease clinical trials that are exploring mRNA vaccines, all are being developed for oncology indications. Of these 21 trials, only seven are in Phase II, which demonstrates the relatively early stage of mRNA vaccines in oncology. Interestingly, the most represented company in these clinical trials is BioNTech, with seven of the 21 trials, followed by Roche/Genentech with three clinical trials and Moderna Inc with two clinical trials.
Image Credit: Shutterstock
Post by Amanda Scott, NA CEO. Follow her on twitter @tantriclens
Thanks to Heinz V. Hoenen. Follow him on twitter: @HeinzVHoenen
News
Lipid nanoparticles carry gene-editing cancer drugs past tumor defenses
As they grow, solid tumors surround themselves with a thick, hard-to-penetrate wall of molecular defenses. Getting drugs past that barricade is notoriously difficult. Now, scientists at UT Southwestern have developed nanoparticles that can break [...]
Graphene Nanosensor Detects Biomarkers Through Tears
In an article recently published in the journal Talanta, researchers demonstrated a new approach to enable the specific detection of biomarkers in human tear by employing an aptamer-based graphene affinity nanosensor. The ability to detect [...]
How Nanotechnology Can Make a Splash in Aquaculture
Selenium (Se) is an essential element found in aquatic feeds that promotes the proper development, wellbeing, and fitness of marine animals. Selenium can be transformed into nanomaterials that are more easily accessible, absorbed, and consumed by [...]
Super-Resolution Imaging Method For Multiple Fluorescence Microscopy Applications
In an article recently published in the journal Nanotechnology, researchers employed a single particle imaging method for fluorescence excitation with moderate intensity to achieve spatial resolution. Here, the semiconductor nanocrystals were accessed, whose emission lifetimes [...]
Trials to begin on new SA COVID-19 vaccine
A new COVID-19 vaccine developed in South Australia and administered with a needle-free device is to begin human trials. Designed by University of Adelaide researchers the DNA vaccine also targets the Omicron variant of [...]
Towards Carbon Clean Manufacturing with Eco-Friendly Nano-Lubricants
Grinding is an essential manufacturing process, yet the heat due to friction associated with the process causes damage to the part being processed. Lubrication is used to reduce friction; however, traditional petroleum-based lubricants can [...]
Researchers develop hybrid sensor that could help diagnose cancer
A team of researchers from HSE University, Skoltech, MPGU, and MISIS have developed a nanophotonic-microfluidic sensor whose potential applications include cancer detection, monitoring and treatment response assessment. Today, the device can identify gases and [...]
Scientists Develop ‘Nanomachines’ That Can Penetrate And Kill Cancer Cells
Researchers have made a scientific breakthrough with the development of ‘nanomachines’ that can kill cancerous cells. The research team headed by Dr Youngdo Jeong from the Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has engineered [...]
Green Method to Make Nanoparticles and Ultrafine Powder
A novel freeze-dissolving approach has been devised that offers greater efficiency and sustainability compared to the classic freeze-drying process to make superfine powder or nanoparticles. In the research published in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, sphere-shaped [...]
Participants wanted for study on the regulation of what future AI-driven nanomedicines should look like
Would you like to help in some research on the regulation of what future AI-driven nanomedicines should look like? If so, researchers at the University of Bristol are looking for volunteers to discuss ethical [...]
Could gold nanoparticles help treat cancer?
Gold nanoparticles are minuscule particles made of gold. From drug and gene delivery to photothermal and photodynamic therapies to screening and diagnostic tests to radiation therapy, X-ray imaging and CT scans, these small particles [...]
Carbon Dots Target Nucleolus and Monitor in Real-Time
In an article recently published in the journal Applied Surface Science, the researchers synthesized green fluorescent carbon dots (G-CDs) from 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid and citric acid. The as-prepared G-CDs were used to target the nucleolus and [...]
Green Nanoformulation for Anti-Cancer and Antibacterial Functions
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful anti-cancer medication, and efforts have been made to design nanostructures for delivering it to cancerous cells. The nanostructures increase the cytotoxic effects of DOX on cancerous cells, while reducing the negative effects [...]
New drug delivery system releases therapeutic cargo only when bacteria are present
A team of Brown University researchers has developed a new responsive material that is able to release encapsulated cargo only when pathogenic bacteria are present. The material could be used to make wound dressings [...]
Hairy Cell Leukemia Complicated by Severe COVID-19: A Case Study
Novel three-drug regimen used to manage life-threatening developments. In April 2021, a 42-year-old man reached out to Brian Hill, MD, PhD, for a second opinion after being diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia following a bone [...]
We’re now in the ‘age of pandemics’. Can we stop the next one?
When the virus hunters landed in the remote African village of Yambuku in 1976, the nuns warned them to stay back. The sisters had cordoned off the area where they were caring for people [...]
