TapImmune Inc. (TPIM.OB) recently announced that an independent third-party research group published an article in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology confirming that a TapImmune (TAP) vaccine should be considered as a therapy for treating melanoma-based cancer. The National Cancer Institute has forecast that, within the next five years, cancer will be ranked as the number one cause of death of Americans.
The company’s TAP vaccine against cancer helps the body move cancer makers to the surface of cells to allow a person’s body to detect and fight the cancerous cells. Initially developed at The University of British Columbia, the preclinical trials for melanoma and lung carcinoma in animal subjects show positive results. A 70% survival rate was achieved in test subjects when using the TAP vaccine therapy, while a 100% survival rate was achieved when the TAP was administered ex-vivo.
The TAP vaccine has also shown success in acting as an ‘accelerant’ to enhance the potency of vaccines against infectious diseases. When the TAP vaccine was incorporated in a smallpox vaccine, the results showed an increased potency of between 100 to 1000 times. As of today, there is only one FDA-approved accelerant available for use on humans. With the growing number of infectious diseases, the ability to increase the effectiveness of primary vaccine inoculations is essential.
Recent estimates show that traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, represent a $10 billion market. The global vaccine market is now estimated at $13 billion, with projected growth to $21 billion by 2010. Accordingly, cancer vaccines represent a $135 million market with expected growth to more than $6 billion by 2010. Now that TapImmune has completed its preclinical testing, the company is ready to enter into the regulated development phase for its vaccine. Based upon its current testing position, the company should be able to generate revenues from sales and royalty streams by 2014.
Let us hear your thoughts below: