How an mRNA Vaccine Targets Prostate Cancer with Six Antigens

This patent describes an mRNA vaccine designed to treat prostate cancer by delivering genetic instructions for a specific combination of six prostate-related proteins, teaching the body to fight the cancer.

What it covers

This patent describes a special mixture, called a composition, that contains at least one messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. This mRNA carries the genetic blueprint for six specific proteins: STEAP, PSA, PSMA, PSCA, PAP, and MUC1 (Claim 1). These proteins are commonly found in prostate cancer cells. The goal is for the body's cells to read these mRNA instructions and produce these proteins, which then train the immune system to recognize and attack prostate cancer cells that also have these proteins (Abstract). The mRNA can be designed to carry instructions for all six proteins on a single strand (multicistronic) or have separate mRNA strands for each protein (Claim 1, 2, 3). For example, a patient could receive an injection of this mRNA composition, leading their immune system to develop a targeted defense against prostate cancer.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover an mRNA vaccine for prostate cancer that only includes some of the six specific antigens (STEAP, PSA, PSMA, PSCA, PAP, MUC1) but not all of them, as claimed in Claim 1.
• —Does not cover an mRNA vaccine for prostate cancer that uses different prostate-specific antigens not explicitly listed in Claim 1.
• —Does not cover non-mRNA vaccine approaches, such as traditional protein-based or viral vector vaccines, for treating prostate cancer.
• —Does not cover mRNA vaccines designed to treat other types of cancer that do not involve these specific prostate antigens.
• —Does not cover mRNA compositions that lack the specific stabilizing modifications described in claims 7-11, such as increased G/C content or specific 3' UTR elements like a poly(C) tail or histone stem-loop.

The clever bit

The clever part is the specific combination of six distinct prostate cancer antigens (STEAP, PSA, PSMA, PSCA, PAP, MUC1) delivered via mRNA. By presenting multiple targets simultaneously, the vaccine aims to make it harder for cancer cells to evade the immune system by simply changing one protein, potentially leading to a more comprehensive and durable anti-cancer immune response.

Why it matters

Prostate cancer is a significant health challenge, and traditional treatments can have severe side effects. This patent aims to harness the body's own immune system to fight the cancer using mRNA technology. By targeting a specific combination of six antigens, the vaccine could potentially create a more robust and lasting immune response against various forms of prostate cancer, including advanced and treatment-resistant types. This approach offers a new avenue for developing more precise and effective cancer therapies.

Real-world examples

• 1.CureVac's ongoing mRNA vaccine candidates for oncology
• 2.Moderna's mRNA cancer vaccine programs
• 3.BioNTech/Pfizer's mRNA cancer vaccine research
• 4.Other mRNA-based therapeutic approaches in oncology