PharmaJet and Scancell Partner to Develop Needle-free DNA Vaccine for Advanced Melanoma

PharmaJet, a company dedicated to enhancing the performance and outcomes of injectables through advanced technology, has announced a long-term license and supply agreement with Scancell Holdings plc. This agreement involves the use of PharmaJet's FDA-cleared and CE-marked Stratis Intramuscular (IM) Needle-free System to deliver Scancell's advanced melanoma DNA vaccine, known as Immunobody SCIB1/iSCIB1+.

Under this collaboration, Scancell will employ the Stratis system for both the clinical development and eventual commercialization of their melanoma vaccine. PharmaJet will receive milestone payments related to development and regulatory achievements, as well as royalties on net sales once the product is commercialized. Scancell assumes responsibility for the clinical trials, regulatory compliance, and commercialization processes associated with the combined product.

PharmaJet has successfully scaled its needle-free delivery technology, which has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of nucleic acid vaccines and therapeutics. The Stratis system has demonstrated its capability to facilitate the uptake of Scancell's DNA melanoma vaccine by the body's cellular mechanisms, leading to the expression of the target antigen and a strong anti-tumor response. So far, 60 patients across 15 clinical sites have received a total of 171 doses of SCIB1/iSCIB1+ using the Stratis system. This combination offers patients a convenient, off-the-shelf therapeutic cancer vaccine with the added benefits of needle-free delivery, enhancing the overall patient experience.

Professor Lindy Durrant, Chief Executive Officer of Scancell, emphasized the importance of securing a long-term supply of the PharmaJet Stratis Needle-free Injection System. This will enable the continued clinical and commercial development of iSCIB1+. Durrant expressed satisfaction with how effectively PharmaJet's delivery system works with the SCIB1/iSCIB1+ cancer vaccines, providing a well-received immunization option for patients. The ultimate aim for Scancell is to deliver an off-the-shelf, safe, tolerable, and effective therapy that can generate potent and lasting anti-tumor responses for patients with unresectable stage IV melanoma, which currently has a five-year survival rate of 35% according to the SEER database.

A recent review article published in Vaccines Journal (MDPI) highlighted that needle-free delivery using PharmaJet technology leads to improved tissue distribution and cellular uptake of vaccines. DNA vaccines administered without needles also tend to show better immunogenicity compared to traditional needle-based methods. Nathalie Landry, Chief Scientific Officer at PharmaJet, noted that the strategic partnership with Scancell strengthens PharmaJet’s position as a leader in the delivery of nucleic acid vaccines and immunotherapies. She expressed enthusiasm for future collaboration with Scancell to advance their innovations in clinical development and commercialization, ultimately benefiting melanoma patients globally.