GSK and Oxford Collaborate to Form GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Program for Advancing Cancer Research
Under this collaboration, GSK and Oxford will combine their complementary expertise in the immune system, vaccines, and cancer biology.
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GSK announced on Jan. 27, 2025 that it has entered into a new research collaboration with the University of Oxford (Oxford) that will focus on the potential of cancer prevention through vaccination. Under the agreement, the entities have established the GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Program, which will conduct translational research and explore precancer biology with the aim of generating key insights on how cancer develops in humans. These insights could inform new approaches to cancer vaccination, according to a company press release (1).
As part of the deal, GSK will invest up to £50 million (US$62 million) over a minimum of three years to support the program’s early research. The program builds on existing relationships, including the ongoing GSK-Oxford Institute of Molecular and Computational Medicine group.
“We’re pleased to further strengthen our relationship with Oxford University and to combine the deep knowledge of Oxford and GSK scientists. By exploring precancer biology and building on GSK’s expertise in the science of the immune system, we aim to generate key insights for people at risk of developing cancer,” said Tony Wood, chief scientific officer, GSK, in the press release.
Evidence has shown that the majority of cancers develop over years or even decades, transitioning from normal cells to precancerous cells (precancer) to cancer. Oxford University’s substantial expertise in precancer biology studies includes the identification and sequencing of neoantigens—tumor-specific proteins that prompt the immune system to recognize cancer (2). The university’s unique focus may help target the vulnerabilities of precancerous cells with active intervention, such as a vaccine or targeted medicine, which can prevent the precancer from progressing to cancer (1).
“This partnership represents a step forward in cancer research. By working with GSK to unite experts in clinical trials, immuno-oncology, vaccinology, and precancer research from across the University of Oxford, we aim to unlock the potential of cancer vaccines and bring hope to patients worldwide,” said Professor Irene Tracey, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, in the release.
Peter Kyle, secretary of state for Science, Innovation and Technology in the UK, added in the press release, “ … [T]hrough our world-leading universities and businesses working in lockstep, [such as what] Oxford and GSK are doing here, we can harness science and innovation to transform what’s possible when it comes to diagnosing and treating [cancer]. As part of our Plan for Change, the Government is determined to back our £108 billion [US$134 billion] life sciences sector to deliver research [such as] this—which could transform our health—whilst boosting our economy too.”
Meanwhile, the Institute of Molecular and Computational Medicine, which GSK and Oxford established in 2021 (3) and is based at the University of Oxford, has thus far demonstrated progress at improving the success and speed of research and development of new medicines, specifically in the field of neurodegeneration. The institute’s work builds on insights from human genetics and uses advanced technologies, such as functional genomics and machine learning.
References
1. GSK. GSK and Oxford Establish the GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Programme to Advance Novel Cancer Research. Press Release. Jan. 27, 2025.
2. Borden, E. S.; Buetow, K. H.; Wilson, M. A.; Hastings, K. T. Cancer Neoantigens: Challenges and Future Directions for Prediction, Prioritization, and Validation. Front. Oncol. 2022, 12, 836821.
3. GSK. GSK and the University of Oxford Launch New Oxford-GSK Institute to Harness Advanced Technology and Unravel Mechanisms of Disease. Press Release. Dec. 2, 2021.
