ICMR licenses experimental cervical precancer drug SHetA2 to Emcure
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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has licensed SHetA2, an experimental anti-HPV drug candidate for cervical precancer, to Emcure Pharmaceuticals for further development and commercialisation.
SHetA2 is being developed as a targeted therapy for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), a precancerous condition caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The candidate was developed through a collaboration between ICMR's National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) and the University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Center.
Unlike HPV vaccines, which help prevent infection, SHetA2 is designed as a therapeutic treatment for women who already have HPV-related precancerous cervical lesions. According to ICMR, laboratory and preclinical studies suggest the drug targets HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins, selectively destroys abnormal HPV-infected cells while sparing healthy cervical tissue, and may reduce the risk of progression to invasive cervical cancer.
Researchers are also evaluating oral and vaginal formulations as potential non-surgical alternatives to current treatments.
At present, moderate to severe cervical precancer is typically treated with procedures such as Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), cold knife conisation and ablative therapies, which remove or destroy abnormal cervical tissue.
ICMR said SHetA2 remains an investigational drug and has not been approved for treating cervical precancer. The candidate has shown encouraging results in laboratory and preclinical studies, while a Phase I clinical trial has assessed its safety in patients with advanced solid tumours.
Following the licensing agreement, Emcure will conduct further clinical development to determine the optimal dosage, long-term safety and effectiveness before seeking regulatory approval.
ICMR said the licensing marks a milestone in India's efforts to develop indigenous cancer therapies. However, experts stressed that HPV vaccination, regular cervical screening and timely treatment of precancerous lesions remain the most effective strategies for preventing cervical cancer.