ICMR-NICPR validates oral therapy SHetA2 to block HPV’s cancer causing proteins

Why in News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR) has validated an oral small molecule therapy, SHetA2, that blocks Human Papillomavirus (HPV)’s cancer causing proteins, potentially treating pre-cancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. The molecule has been transferred to Emcure for larger human trials.

Key Highlights

1. Therapy: SHetA2, an oral small molecule drug.
2. Mechanism: Blocks HPV oncoproteins (E6 and E7), which drive cervical cancer development.
3. Target: Designed to treat pre-cancerous (CIN) and cancerous cervical lesions.
4. Validating body: ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR).
5. Next stage: Technology transferred to Emcure for advanced human clinical trials.
6. Significance: Represents a potential non-surgical, oral treatment for HPV-related cervical disease.

What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

1. HPV is a common DNA virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.
2. It is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.
3. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
4. HPV is also associated with cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and oropharynx.

How Does SHetA2 Work?

1. Inhibits the activity of HPV’s E6 and E7 oncoproteins.
2. Restores the function of tumour suppressor proteins (p53 and Rb), allowing abnormal cells to undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis).
3. May help prevent progression from pre-cancerous lesions to invasive cervical cancer.

Significance

1. Offers a non-invasive oral treatment option for HPV-related cervical lesions.
2. May reduce the need for surgical procedures in early-stage disease.
3. Supports India’s efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women.
4. Demonstrates the growing role of indigenous biomedical research and public-private collaboration.

Government Initiatives

1. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) includes cervical cancer screening.
2. Introduction of Cervavac, India’s indigenous HPV vaccine, to expand cervical cancer prevention.
3. Promotion of HPV vaccination, screening and early diagnosis under national health programmes.

[2021] Consider the following statements:
1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes.
2. Common cold is sometime caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2