# 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. - **Patent:** US 20160166668 - **Original title:** Composition and vaccine for treating prostate cancer - **Owner:** Curevac AG - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 84 - **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical, oncology, gene_editing ## What it does 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 does NOT 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. ## 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 ## 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How an mRNA Vaccine Targets Prostate Cancer with Six Antigens cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 20160166668? This patent is owned by Curevac AG. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on February 19, 2036, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 20160166668 cited by? This patent has been cited by 84 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? 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. ### What does this patent NOT 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. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20160166668/composition-and-vaccine-for-treating-prostate-cancer **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20160166668 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Modified RNA Tricks Cells Into Making Proteins Without Triggering Attacks](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8278036/rna-containing-modified-nucleosides-and-methods-of-use-thereof) — A breakthrough method for using modified RNA to deliver instructions to cells without causing the body to reject the treatment as a foreign invader. - [How Moderna's mRNA Vaccine Technology Targets Betacoronaviruses](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10702600/betacoronavirus-mrna-vaccine) — A patent describing a specific mRNA vaccine design that uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver genetic instructions for building parts of a betacoronavirus to trigger an immune response. - [Using Genetically Modified Viruses to Target and Treat Cancer](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9492534/yescarta-axicabtagene-ciloleucel) — A method for creating a modified vaccinia virus that safely hunts down and kills tumor cells while leaving healthy tissue alone. - [How Novartis Engineered Antibodies to Block the TIM-3 Immune Checkpoint](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10472419/keytruda-pembrolizumab) — A patent describing specific genetic blueprints for antibodies designed to bind to and inhibit the TIM-3 protein, a key target in cancer and immune system research. - [How Genentech's Antibody Targets Cancerous B Cells](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9845355/tecentriq-atezolizumab) — This patent describes a specific humanized antibody designed to bind to a protein called CD79b, which is found on the surface of certain cancer cells.