Researchers at Queen’s University of Belfast and collaborators have developed a DNA vaccine against high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The vaccine encodes PRAME, which the researchers found to be upregulated in several cohorts of patients with the malignancy.

Researchers from Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. described the protective effect exerted by INO-4500, a DNA vaccine produced using the Syncon technology, against lethal Lassa virus in nonhuman primates.

Ege University scientists and their collaborators have detailed the preclinical characterization of a novel DNA vaccine encoding the SRS13 protein being developed for the prevention of chronic toxoplasmosis.

The research on novel vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 with improved characteristics continues. These ideal features include rapid development to target variants of concern, easy manufacturing, and an excellent safety profile while inducing humoral and cellular immune responses.

Imunon Inc. has reported partial results from an ongoing nonhuman primate study designed to examine the immunogenicity of its proprietary Placcine vaccine (PL-COV). The data support Placcine as a viable alternative to mRNA vaccines.

Genexine Co. Ltd.’s DNA vaccine, GX-188E, showed potential in extending overall survival in patients with advanced cervical cancer in a phase II study when given in combination with Merck & Co. Inc.’s anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab). The Seoul, Korea-based company analyzed 60 patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 or HPV-18-positive advanced cervical cancer who had progressed after standard-of-care therapy.

Genexine Co. Ltd.’s DNA vaccine, GX-188E, showed potential in extending overall survival in patients with advanced cervical cancer in a phase II study when given in combination with Merck & Co. Inc.’s anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab).

Newly appointed President and CEO Jackie Shea looks to have her work cut out for her, as Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. decided to ditch its phase II/III COVID-19 vaccination trial in favor of pursuing a booster strategy with INO-4800. That update, disclosed during Inovio’s first-quarter earnings late May 10 alongside a likely delay in filing for approval of HPV immunotherapy candidate VGX-3100, sent the stock (NASDAQ:INO) falling 27% May 11. Over the past year, shares have fallen more than 70%.

There was no slowing of biopharma innovation in 2021, even as industry directed significant resources to, while feeling the impact of, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The year saw big wins for developers of DNA vaccines and biosimilars, while CAR T expanded its reach and a drug target once considered undruggable was finally conquered. And as 2021 gives way to 2022, other potentially game-changing technologies and therapeutics are waiting in the wings.

Cadila Healthcare Ltd. (also known as Zydus Cadila) has received emergency use authorization (EUA) in India for Zycov-D, making it the world’s first plasmid DNA vaccine for COVID-19. Besides the adult population, the Drug Controller General of India’s nod has also given the South Asian country its first COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents ages 12 to 18.