TAIPEI, TAIWAN / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2018 / In 2018, the World Health Organization reports that cancer is the second leading cause of death globally (preceded by Ischaemic heart disease), responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths with approximately 70% occurring in low to middle-income countries. Of these cases, the most commonly occurring cancers are those which infect the lungs, breasts, colon, stomach, prostate, liver and pancreas. Acclaimed biochemist Professor Chi-Huey Wong, PhD has worked tirelessly over the course of his career in advanced research to develop effective immunotherapy treatment regimens targeting the most prevalent types of cancerous tumour growth. After more than 30 years of research conducted out of labs based in the USA, Japan and Taiwan, Dr.Wong is particularly excited by the prospects for effective therapy and suppression of cancer stem cells through the application of Globo H vaccinations.
Globo H is a tumour-associated carbohydrate antigen found in epithelial cells (plasma membrane) that was first isolated in 1983 and observed to be expressed across a variety of cancers. Its complex chemistry made it highly difficult to replicate for study, until Chi-HueyWong designed the Optimer One-Pot Synthesis (OPopSä) which allowed for a complete and rapid synthesis of Globo H and the development of one of the first carbohydrate-based cancer vaccines, specifically targeting breast cancer cells and demonstratingpositive results through Phase I and II human trials. The vaccine is currently in phase III global trials conducted by the Taiwaness biopharmaceutical company OBI Pharma, Inc.
A proliferation of Globo H studies published in journals such as the US National Library ofMedicine, ChineseChemical Letters, TheJournal of Ovarian Research, The NationalAcademy of Sciences and the American Chemical Society (which published Dr.Wong's seminal piece ''Development of Globo H Vaccine'') have returned promising data indicating a positive correlation with mutation present in many leading cancer types. These human-trial supported findings not only support the continued research and application of vaccination technologies, but will also serve to aid in preventative screening and identifications.
Beginning in 2018, OBI has been conducting FDA-approved Phase I clinical trials of a ''novel first-in-class monoclonal antibody''—OBI 888, specifically geared as a tumour-killer that targets Globo H and has shown efficacy at shrinking cancerous growths with no adverse effects to patients. New York-based Creative Biolabs are also demonstrating major advances in similar immunotherapies, offering primary and secondary prevention regimens based on antigens found in breast and prostate cancers and small cell lung carcinomas.