Advaxis And SynCo Bio Collaborate To Make ADXS-HPV For Cancer
By Cyndi Root
Advaxis, Inc. announced in a press release that it has partnered with SynCo Bio Partners B.V. (SynCo) to manufacture ADXS-HPV. The novel drug candidate is a cancer immunotherapy, indicated for cervical cancer. SynCo will assist Advaxis in manufacturing the drug, including scaling up operations and improving quality assurance. Daniel J. O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer of Advaxis said, "SynCo's ability to manufacture both drug substance and drug product for ADXS-HPV will offer us increased flexibility as we expand our manufacturing process in preparation for commercial-scale production." He added that with SynCo’s assistance, Advaxis can market immediately on a global scale after the drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Cervical Cancer
Advaxis intends to study ADXS-HPV for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) in most cases. Found with regular PAP smears, malignant cells grow in a woman’s cervix. The cancer is slow growing and treatable if caught early. In the U.S., over 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year with over 4,000 deaths.
ADXS-HPV
ADXS-HPV is an immunotherapy drug. It works by targeting cells that are malignant or dysplastic due to HPV infection. Destroying the cells also kills the malignancy. ADXS-HPV coerces cells to generate an immune response, which directs T cells to attack cancer cells or tumors. Trials of the novel drug have shown that patients’ tumors shrink and they have a longer survival time. Trials continue for the drug and cervical cancer. Other studies seek to demonstrate positive results with other HPV-associated cancers including head and neck and anal cancer. The FDA has given ADXS-HPV the orphan drug designation for continued studies in cancer treatment.
About SynCo Bio Partners B.V.
SynCo Bio Partners B.V. is headquartered in the Netherlands. It is licensed for commercial and clinical manufacturing for drug ingredients and drug products. The company supports small, large, and specialty companies through the drug development and manufacturing process. Pierre Warffemius, Chief Executive Officer of SynCo Bio Partners, said, "Our leading position for supply of live microbial biopharmaceuticals, through providing high quality manufacturing services, will bring this therapeutic vaccine safely to patients for the treatment of HPV-associated cancers."
About Advaxis, Inc.
Advaxis is a biotechnology company focusing on cancer immunotherapies. The company uses live bacteria to target cancer cells by stimulating the immune system response. It has created more than 15 immunotherapies and formed strategic alliances with other organizations, public and private.
Source:
http://www.advaxis.com/news/detail/364/advaxis-engages-synco-bio-partners-for-manufacturing-of