Cancer Vaccine and CAR-T Therapy Show Promise: What It Means for Patients
Anixa Biosciences is making significant strides in cancer treatment and prevention, with new data showing progress on two fronts: a breast cancer vaccine and an ovarian cancer therapy. The company will present its latest findings at the 2026 Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference in New York City this September.
What are the latest results for the breast cancer vaccine?
The breast cancer vaccine, developed with the Cleveland Clinic and funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, has completed its Phase 1 trial. All primary endpoints were met, including safety. The vaccine generated protocol-defined immune responses in 74% of participants. The company is now preparing for a Phase 2 trial.
Dr. Amit Kumar, Chairman and CEO of Anixa, sees this as part of a broader shift in cancer care. He pointed to recent data from Merck and Moderna on personalized melanoma vaccines as evidence that cancer vaccines are becoming a viable new approach. Anixa's vaccine is designed to both treat and prevent breast cancer.
How is the ovarian cancer CAR-T therapy progressing?
The ovarian cancer therapy, called lira-cel, is being tested in a Phase 1 trial with the Moffitt Cancer Center. The patients in this trial have recurrent, treatment-resistant ovarian cancer and have exhausted conventional options.
The trial has advanced to its fifth and highest dose level, which includes lymphodepletion for the first time. No dose-limiting toxicities have been observed. Four patients have now survived more than one year after treatment, with the longest survival at approximately 28 months.
Why does this matter for cancer care?
These developments matter because they target cancers that are notoriously difficult to treat. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late, and recurrence is common. A therapy that extends survival in heavily pre-treated patients is a meaningful step forward.
The vaccine approach is also notable. Instead of targeting viruses, it immunizes against proteins that are normally expressed only during fetal development and then reappear in certain cancers. This could open the door to vaccines for other hard-to-treat cancers, including lung, colon, and prostate.
Who is presenting and where?
Mike Catelani, President, COO & CFO of Anixa, will deliver the presentation on September 11, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET. The event takes place at the Waldorf Astoria New York, 301 Park Avenue. Management will be available for one-on-one meetings during the conference.
What is Anixa's approach to drug development?
Anixa partners with leading research institutions rather than building everything in-house. The breast and ovarian cancer vaccines were developed at Cleveland Clinic and exclusively licensed to Anixa. Cleveland Clinic is entitled to royalties and other commercialization revenues. The ovarian cancer therapy uses a novel type of CAR-T called chimeric endocrine receptor-T cell (CER-T) technology, developed with Moffitt Cancer Center.
This model allows the company to work with world-renowned experts and focus on bringing promising science to patients.
Frequently asked questions about Anixa's cancer programs
Is the breast cancer vaccine available now?
No. The vaccine is still in clinical trials. Phase 1 is complete, and the company is preparing for Phase 2. It will be several years before it could be considered for regulatory approval.
What does it mean that four patients survived past one year?
For patients with recurrent, treatment-resistant ovarian cancer, the median survival is often measured in months. Four patients surpassing one year, with one at 28 months, is a promising signal, though the trial is still small and early-stage.
What is lymphodepletion?
Lymphodepletion is a preparatory treatment that temporarily reduces certain immune cells before CAR-T therapy. It creates space for the infused cells to expand and work more effectively. This is the first cohort in the trial to include it.
How can I learn more about Anixa?
Visit Anixa's website or follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
This article is based on a press release from Anixa Biosciences. The company's forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties detailed in its SEC filings.