Immuniser

A Korean company by the name Gemvax has announced the development of an under-trial vaccine against cancer. The new vaccine promises to boost the immune system by halting the growth of tumours so that the cancer does not spread.

The vaccine named ‘Telovac’ is designed to exploit the immune system’s power to fight tumours unlike other drugs which attacks the cancer cells directly. The immune system is triggered by it to seek and destroy an enzyme known as telomerase which supports cancer cells and makes them resistant.

The vaccine was tested in UK wherein more than 1,000 men and women in the late stages of pancreatic cancer were given the vaccine with positive results. The company says the vaccine would be available shortly after a few more trials.