Oncology GSK Collaborates with University of Oxford for Prevention of Cancer through Vaccination

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GSK and the University of Oxford have joined hands to focus on the potential of cancer prevention through vaccination. The GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Programme is expected to explore precancer biology in order to generate key insights on how cancer develops in humans that could inform new approaches to cancer vaccination.

London/UK – GSK and the University of Oxford (Oxford) have recently announced that they have entered into a new research collaboration focused on the potential of cancer prevention through vaccination. The GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Programme will conduct translational research, exploring precancer biology to generate key insights on how cancer develops in humans that could inform new approaches to cancer vaccination. GSK will invest up to 50 million pounds over a minimum of three years to support this early research.

Evidence shows that most cancers take years or even decades to develop from normal cells to precancerous cells (or precancer) to cancer. Oxford University has world-leading expertise in the study of precancer biology including the identification and sequencing of neoantigens, or tumor-specific proteins that prompt the immune system to recognize cancer. This unique focus could help target the vulnerabilities of precancerous cells through an active intervention like a vaccine or targeted medicine to prevent them from progressing to cancer.

Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK, said: “We’re pleased to further strengthen our relationship with Oxford University and to combine the deep knowledge of Oxford and GSK scientists. 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.”

Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: “This partnership represents a step forward in cancer research. 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.”

Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “Cancer is a disease that has brought pain and heartbreak to every family in the country, including my own. But through our world-leading universities and businesses working in lockstep, like Oxford and GSK are doing here, we can harness science and innovation to transform what’s possible when it comes to diagnosing and treating this disease. As part of our Plan for Change, the Government is determined to back our 108-billion-pound life sciences sector to deliver research like this – which could transform our health – whilst boosting our economy too.”

Building on GSK’s ongoing relationship with Oxford, this collaboration will continue to combine GSK’s expertise in the science of the immune system and global development capability with Oxford’s cutting-edge research, clinical capabilities and world-leading scientists.

In 2021, GSK and Oxford established the Institute of Molecular and Computational Medicine. The Institute, based at the University of Oxford, has demonstrated progress at improving the success and speed of research and development of new medicines, specifically in the field of neurodegeneration, building on insights from human genetics and using advanced technologies such as functional genomics and machine learning.

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