Words by GOLD newsdesk
GSK and the University of Oxford have announced the creation of the GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Programme, a new collaboration aimed at exploring cancer prevention through vaccination. With an investment of up to £50m over three years by GSK, the partnership will focus on understanding how cancer develops from precancerous cells, potentially paving the way for cancer vaccines.
“We’re pleased to further strengthen our relationship with Oxford University,” said Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK. “By exploring precancer biology and building on GSK’s expertise in the science of the immune system, we aim to generate key insights for people at risk of developing cancer.”
The programme will aim to further Oxford’s existing research into precancer biology, particularly the identification of tumour-specific proteins, or neoantigens, which trigger immune responses. Unlike traditional cancer treatments that focus on managing disease progression, cancer vaccines aim to pre-emptively target precancerous cells before they develop into malignancies.
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor, University of Oxford, highlighted the initiative’s potential: “By working with GSK to unite experts in clinical trials, immuno-oncology, vaccinology and precancer research from across the University of Oxford, we aim to unlock the potential of cancer vaccines and bring hope to patients worldwide.” The collaboration extends GSK and Oxford’s ongoing partnership, which has already seen success through the GSK-Oxford Institute of Molecular and Computational Medicine, which was established in 2021.
The initiative was also praised by the UK Science Secretary Peter Kyle, who said: “Cancer is a disease that has brought pain and heartbreak to every family in the country, including my own.” He went on to express his confidence in such university-industry partnerships, stating that “we can harness science and innovation to transform what’s possible when it comes to diagnosing and treating this disease”.
The GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Programme will be directed by Professor Sarah Blagden from Oxford and Dr Timothy Clay and Dr Ramon Kemp from GSK.
