Curevac's Troubled Finances Yet Push Ahead with Cancer Vaccine Development
Tübingen-based biotech company Curevac is still grappling with the aftermath of their coronavirus vaccine failure, reporting an operating loss of 186.2 million euros in the first nine months of the year. This figure is a significant increase from the 127.9 million euros lost in the same period the previous year. The company attributed the loss primarily to the completion of their efforts to develop a first-generation Covid-19 vaccine. Despite these financial woes, Curevac remains hopeful about launching their first product on the market within the next few years.
Amidst this turbulent period, Curevac remains committed to their research in the field of medicine, most notably their work on an mRNA-based cancer vaccine. According to their latest announcement, a Phase 1 clinical trial is on schedule, with the first data analysis expected in the second half of 2024. This optimistic outlook on cancer vaccines was echoed by Curevac CEO Alexander Zehnder, who expressed his belief that "cancer will no longer be a death sentence," aiming to bring the vaccine to the market as early as 2028.
Curevac's dedication to developing a cancer vaccine is pressing on, even in the face of financial challenges. Their strategic approach includes focusing on both personalized and off-the-shelf cancer vaccines. For personalized methods, they target tumors with high heterogeneity, such as adenocarcinoma, while for off-the-shelf approaches, they target tumors with shared antigens, like glioblastoma. Curevac is also developing mRNA neoantigen vaccines, which have shown promise when combined with checkpoint inhibitors to enhance the immune system's ability to target cancer cells.
The company's efforts are also being backed by collaborations and funding. In a significant move, Curevac secured an agreement with GSK, including an upfront payment of €400 million, and potential milestones of up to €1.05 billion for development, regulatory, and sales achievements. This agreement provides Curevac with financial support to continue their work in the field of mRNA vaccines, including those for cancer.
In conclusion, despite the financial setbacks from their coronavirus vaccine endeavors, Curevac is determined to push ahead with their cancer vaccine research and development. They are continuing clinical trials, leveraging strategic approaches, and securing collaborations and funding to support their efforts. Indeed, they are transforming their cancer vaccine research into an immunotherapy 2.0, adopting approaches that promise a more precise and personalized response to various types of cancer.
[1] CureVac to Advance Cancer Vaccine Program in Personalized and Off-the-Shelf Approaches, S. Delbridge. Available from:
[2] Curevac announces the start of a phase 1/2 study for an mRNA vaccine targeting melanoma and adenoidcystic carcinoma, and squamous cell cancer of the skin, head, and neck. Available from:
[3] CureVac and GSK Announce Strategic Collaboration to Develop and Commercialize mRNA Vaccines, S. Delbridge. Available from:
[4] CureVac's Cancer Vaccines: Immunotherapy 2.0, S. Delbridge. Available from:
