Remarkable Edge in Cancer Vaccine Treatment: New Hope

In this interview, we engage with Andrew Allen, a pioneering force in the field of immunotherapy and the co-founder of the innovative biotech company Gritstone bio, Inc. Allen has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of medical science by spearheading the development of personalized cancer vaccine therapies through the cutting-edge EDGE™ AI platform at Gritstone. This groundbreaking technology is not only reshaping the landscape of cancer treatment but also offering new hope to patients worldwide. Throughout our conversation, we delve into this revolutionary technology, exploring how it transforms the cancer care approach.

Moe Alsumidaie: What Makes Gritstone’s EDGE AI Platform a Cornerstone in Cancer Vaccine Treatment?

Andrew Allen: Gritstone’s EDGE AI platform – or Epitope Discovery for GEnomes – stands at the forefront of cancer vaccine treatment innovation. It’s not just about identifying mutations; it’s about discerning which mutations can function as viable targets for T cells, the warriors of our immune system. We employ deep learning to decode the complex biological process that translates DNA mutations into proteins, then further into peptide fragments. These fragments, presented by HLA molecules, become the targets recognized by T cells. Our platform’s ability to model this intricate process into mathematical models makes it revolutionary.

Moe Alsumidaie: Can You Describe the Unique Design of Your Clinical Trials for Personalized Vaccines?

Andrew Allen: Our clinical trials are uniquely designed to address the individuality of each patient’s cancer. Recognizing that every tumor arises from a distinct set of mutations, our GRANITE vaccine is tailored to each patient. This individualization is key to unleashing the full potential of the patient’s immune response. In contrast, SLATE, our off-the-shelf vaccine, targets shared mutations, making it suitable for a different patient population

Moe Alsumidaie: What Challenges Arise in Operationalizing These Trials?

Andrew Allen: The operational challenges are multifaceted. Firstly, obtaining sufficient and viable tumor samples for sequencing is crucial. This step is foundational for our prediction models. Secondly, the novelty of our methods, especially our use of adenovirus and self-amplifying mRNA vectors, often requires educating regulatory bodies. These explanations are vital for gaining approval and progressing with our trials, particularly in countries where such therapies are not yet commonplace.

Moe Alsumidaie: How Do You Navigate Patient Recruitment and Eligibility?

Andrew Allen: Patient recruitment for GRANITE is relatively inclusive, as most patients with solid tumors qualify. However, we do set a threshold for excluding patients with very low predicted neoantigens, as the efficacy in such cases is uncertain. For SLATE, our off-the-shelf vaccine, the eligibility criteria are more stringent. Patients must have specific mutations and compatible HLA types. This specificity narrows the pool but ensures that those included are more likely to benefit from the treatment.

Moe Alsumidaie: Could You Share Progress on HIV and COVID-19 Vaccine Trials?

Andrew Allen: Our work on HIV and COVID-19 vaccines has been promising, particularly highlighting the potential of our self-amplifying mRNA or “samRNA” technology. For COVID-19, our vaccines have maintained high antibody levels for an extended period, surpassing a year. This durability is crucial in the fight against evolving viral threats. We also focus on T cell targets within the virus, especially those that are conserved, i.e., less prone to mutation, which aims to provide a more robust and lasting immune response.

Moe Alsumidaie: What Does the Future Hold for Cancer Vaccine Treatment in Treating Solid Tumors?

Andrew Allen: The future of immunotherapy, particularly for “cold” solid tumors, is on the brink of a significant transformation, and our work at Gritstone is at the forefront of this shift. The upcoming results from our GRANITE colorectal trial could represent a major breakthrough, potentially expanding the scope of immunotherapy to a broader spectrum of cancer patients. Looking ahead, we focus on leveraging our technology to make significant strides in cancer vaccine treatment. This trial isn’t just pivotal for Gritstone; it could be a watershed moment for the entire field of oncology, marking a potential turning point in the fight against one of humanity’s most persistent adversaries – cancer. We’re on the cusp of potentially transforming the treatment landscape for most cancer patients, especially those with tumors previously considered unresponsive to immunotherapy.