VGX-3100 Named Best Therapeutic Vaccine Candidate for HPV

The VGX-3100 immunotherapy that treats cervical dysplasia was recognized as "Best Therapeutic Vaccine" at the World Vaccine Congress held in Washington, D.C. 

VGX-3100 is a DNA-based immunotherapy under investigation for the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and HPV 18 infection and pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix (Phase 3) and vulva and anus (Phase 2). 

VGX-3100 has the potential to be the first approved treatment for HPV infection of the cervix and the first non-surgical treatment for precancerous cervical lesions.

VGX-3100 utilizes the patient's own immune system to clear HPV 16 and HPV 18 infection and precancerous lesions without the increased risks associated with surgery, such as loss of reproductive health and negative psychosocial impacts.   

VGX-3100 works by stimulating a specific immune response to HPV-16 and HPV-18, which targets the infection and causes destruction of precancerous cells. 

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2b study in 167 adult women with histologically documented HPV 16/18 cervical HSIL (CIN2/3), treatment with VGX-3100 resulted in a statistically significantly greater decrease in cervical HSIL and clearance of HPV infection vs. placebo. 

"VGX-3100 could offer the first non-surgical treatment to patients who are suffering from HPV-related pre-cancers that often progress to cancer,” said Dr. J. Joseph Kim, Inovio’s CEO, in a press release. 

“We have reported clinical efficacy in 3 different HPV clinical indications:

• in cervical dysplasia with VGX-3100
• in metastatic head and neck cancer with MEDI0457 with our partner AstraZeneca
• in a challenging respiratory tumor (RRP) with INO-3106

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses. Each HPV virus in this large group is given a number which is called its HPV type, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. HPV is so common that nearly all men and women get it at some point in their lives. 

HPV cancers include cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. An HPV infection can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. 

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a late-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of DNA-based immunotherapies and vaccines that transform the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious disease.