Novel Breast Cancer Vaccine Technology Receives Japanese Patent

By Amber Baker

Anixa Biosciences, Inc. of San Jose, California announced on July 17, 2024, that its collaborator, the Cleveland Clinic, has received a “Decision to Grant” notice from the Japan Patent Office (JPO) for the patent application titled “Vaccine Adjuvants and Formulations” for its novel breast cancer vaccine technology. The company is two decades into developing a vaccine targeting triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. The vaccine aims to prevent recurrence and is currently in clinical trials.^1 2

Anixa Biosciences’ vaccine targets two specific proteins: alpha-lactalbumin and anti-Mullerian hormone receptor II (AMHR2-ED). These proteins are found in many types of breast and ovarian cancers. By targeting these proteins, the vaccine aims to activate the immune system to destroy cancer cells as they emerge, potentially preventing the formation of tumors in both breast and ovarian tissues.³

“This new Japanese patent extends the claims for this novel breast cancer vaccine technology to an additional geographic region, beyond the U.S. and European patents previously awarded,” said Amit Kumar, PhD, CEO of Anixa Biosciences. “As the exclusive worldwide licensee of the technology, we value the additional protection this patent provides as we continue clinical development.”¹