Cancer is one of the toughest health challenges we face today. Traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be effective but often come with harsh side effects and can be very invasive. Oxford Vacmedix is working to change this by developing therapeutic vaccines that use the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. This innovative approach promises not only to enhance treatment efficacy but also to reduce the physical and emotional toll on patients.
Oxford Vacmedix’s journey began with the research of Professor Shisong Jiang at Harvard University. Professor Jiang, a globally renowned immunologist, focused on developing novel therapeutic agents for cancer treatment. His groundbreaking work on Recombinant Overlapping Peptides (ROP) laid the foundation for what would become a new frontier in immunotherapy.
After his tenure at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Professor Jiang transferred his research to Oxford University. Recognizing the immense potential of his work, Oxford University decided to patent the technology and establish a dedicated spinout company. Thus, in 2012, Oxford Vacmedix was born with a mission to develop and commercialize ROP-based cancer vaccines.
In 2016, the company made a significant leap forward by bringing on board two key figures: William Finch and Dr. Anthony Coombs. Their combined expertise and leadership have played a crucial role in driving the company’s mission forward.
Dr. Coombs holds a DPhil in Chemistry from Oxford and has over 30 years of commercial experience in pharmaceutical development. His illustrious career includes significant roles at AstraZeneca Oncology, Merck Serono, and Vifor Pharma. Notably, Dr. Coombs played a crucial role in the development of the first targeted oral therapy for lung cancer. His deep understanding of oncology and pharmaceutical development, coupled with his experience in board roles and consultancy, made him a perfect fit for Oxford Vacmedix. Initially appointed by the University to bring commercial expertise to the company, Dr. Coombs’ enthusiasm for the technology led him to take on a more hands-on role, eventually becoming the Executive Chairman.
William Finch, the CEO, graduated from Oxford with a degree in Biochemistry and has spent over 34 years in the biotech sector. His career includes stints at R&D Systems, Amersham International, British Biotech, and Beckman Coulter. Finch has a particular talent for leading small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the biotech space, driving them from inception through to growth and acquisition. His passion for starting and developing biotech companies, particularly those focused on oncology, aligns perfectly with the mission of Oxford Vacmedix.
Oxford Vacmedix is at the cutting edge of developing vaccines that treat, rather than prevent, cancer. Their ROP technology involves creating overlapping peptide sequences from cancer-associated proteins, which stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. This approach has several advantages, including broad applicability across various human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types.
The company’s lead vaccine targets the survivin protein, which is over-expressed in most solid tumors. Preclinical trials have shown significant promise, with the vaccine demonstrating the ability to stimulate a robust immune response and impact tumor growth. Encouraged by these results, Oxford Vacmedix has moved into early clinical trials, where the safety and efficacy of the vaccine are being evaluated.
Looking ahead, Oxford Vacmedix envisions integrating its ROP technology with emerging platforms such as mRNA. This combination could enhance the precision and effectiveness of their vaccines, potentially leading to even greater clinical outcomes. The scientific community has shown great interest in this innovative approach, and the enthusiasm from trial participants highlights the hope and promise that these vaccines bring.
Reflecting on the journey from Professor Jiang’s initial research at Harvard to the current clinical trials, Oxford Vacmedix is a prime example of the power of innovation and collaboration in the fight against cancer. As they continue to advance their research and expand their clinical trials, the future of cancer treatment looks brighter than ever, thanks to the efforts of Oxford Vacmedix and its dedicated team.
