How it Works

Our approach uses DNA- and peptide-based compounds that correspond to tumor-associated antigens that are expressed in a range of cancers. A patient is first “primed” by DNA-based compounds, or plasmids, that are injected directly into the patient’s lymph nodes. This is designed to sensitize the immune system to the tumor-associated antigens encoded by the plasmids. After a period of time, the patient’s lymph nodes are injected with synthetic peptides that are designed to “boost” or greatly amplify the immune response to the target antigens. This “prime-boost” regimen is designed to provoke a potent cell-mediated immune response that destroys cancer cells along with the underlying blood supply to the tumor.