Corixa's MPL Adjuvant Shows Promise in Vaccine Development

Strategic Insights -

Corixa Corp. provided an update on two potential products containing its MPL adjuvant, which is currently licensed to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for use in several vaccines in development, including Cervarix for the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and Simplirix for the prevention of genital herpes. GSK highlighted these programs as promising and novel treatments with considerable commercial potential in a presentation to investors. The number of people with genital herpes infection has increased 30% nationwide since the late 1970s, with 45 million people in the United States ages 12 and older infected with HSV-2, or 1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population. Cervarix vaccine containing Corixa's MPL adjuvant demonstrated 100% effectiveness in preventing persistent infection by the two HPVs associated with the greatest incidence of cervical cancer: HPV 16 and HPV 18.

Key Takeaways:

  • Corixa's MPL adjuvant is a critical component of GSK's Cervarix vaccine for the prevention of HPV infection, with the potential to prevent more than 70% of cervical cancers.
  • Simplirix vaccine containing Corixa's MPL adjuvant demonstrated high effectiveness in protecting women against HSV-1 and HSV-2 genital herpes in two double-blind, randomized trials.
  • Thirteen clinical trials with over 12,000 volunteers have been completed evaluating Simplirix vaccine, with two phase III pivotal trials currently ongoing.
  • Genital herpes is a significant health concern, with 45 million people in the United States ages 12 and older infected with HSV-2, and a 30% increase in the number of people with genital herpes infection nationwide since the late 1970s.
  • Cervarix vaccine has been shown to be 100% effective in preventing persistent infection by HPV 16 and HPV 18, which account for the greatest incidence of cervical cancer.
  • Corixa's MPL adjuvant has demonstrated high utility in combination with multiple vaccines in late stages of development, with further progress expected in commercialization and product sales in the coming year.

Statistics:

  • 45 million people in the United States ages 12 and older are infected with HSV-2, or 1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population.
  • The number of people with genital herpes infection has increased 30% nationwide since the late 1970s.
  • 13 clinical trials with over 12,000 volunteers have been completed evaluating Simplirix vaccine.
  • Two phase III pivotal trials are currently ongoing for Simplirix vaccine, enrolling young adult women in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health.
  • Cervarix vaccine has demonstrated 100% effectiveness in preventing persistent infection by HPV 16 and HPV 18.

Sources:

  • NewsRx.com
  • NewsRx.net
  • Health & Medicine Week editors