CancerVax

CancerVax is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the development and commercialization of novel biological products for the treatment and prevention of cancer. The company's primary product, Canvaxin, is an investigational therapeutic vaccine designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

History

CancerVax was founded in 1998 by Dr. Donald L. Morton and his colleagues at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. The company was initially established to develop and commercialize Canvaxin, a therapeutic vaccine for the treatment of melanoma.

Canvaxin

Canvaxin is a therapeutic vaccine that is designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is made from three different strains of melanoma cells that have been killed by radiation. The vaccine is intended to be used in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), a vaccine that is commonly used to prevent tuberculosis.

Clinical Trials

CancerVax has conducted several clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Canvaxin. The results of these trials have been mixed, with some studies showing a benefit in terms of survival and others showing no significant difference between the vaccine and a placebo.

Future Developments

CancerVax continues to explore the potential of Canvaxin and other therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer. The company is also investigating the use of other biological products, including monoclonal antibodies and cytokines, for the treatment of cancer.