Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

SHetA2: India's Indigenous Drug Candidate For Cervical Cancer

In a major boost to India's fight against <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cervical-cancer">cervical cancer</a></span>, the Indian Council of Medical Research (<span>ICMR</span>) has developed <span>SHetA2</span>, an <span>indigenous drug candidate</span> designed to treat HPV-induced <span>cervical dysplasia</span> and cervical cancer.

The novel anti-HPV therapeutic is being developed to treat Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)— a precancerous condition caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection— to prevent progression to invasive cervical cancer.

<h2>SHetA2: Developed Through India-US Collaboration</h2>

SHetA2 was developed through a collaboration between Dr. Showket Hussain of the ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR) and Dr. Doris M. Benbrook of the Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, USA.

It is a first-in-class targeted therapeutic candidate that selectively eliminates HPV-induced precancerous and cervical cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The technology has the potential to provide a safe, affordable and minimally invasive treatment option.

Under the Medical Innovations Patent Mitra (MITRA) initiative, ICMR has licensed SHetA2 to Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/cervical-cancer-cases-in-india-drop-37-over-a-decade-highlighting-impact-of-screening-hpv-vaccination-article-155138918" data-type="tilCustomLink">Cervical Cancer Cases In India Drop 37% Over A Decade, Highlighting Impact Of Screening &amp; HPV Vaccination</a>

SHetA2 is being evaluated for the treatment of HPV-induced cervical dysplasia and established cervical cancer. According to the ICMR, treating cervical dysplasia at the precancerous stage could significantly reduce the risk of progression to invasive cancer by enabling earlier intervention.

<strong>According to ICMR, SHetA2:</strong>

<ul><li>Selectively targets HPV-driven oncogenesis while sparing normal cells.</li><li>Has demonstrated strong safety, tolerability and improved bioavailability in preclinical and Phase I studies.</li><li>Can be administered orally or as a vaginal suppository, making it a cost-effective, non-invasive, take-home therapy suitable for global use, including low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).</li><li>Suppresses abnormal cell growth without the tissue destruction associated with current ablative treatments.</li><li>Has shown no toxicity in preclinical studies while aiming to prevent progression from precancerous lesions to cervical cancer.</li><li>Inhibits HPV-induced tumour growth by suppressing high-risk HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins through disruption of HSP70 interactions.</li><li>Has shown promising results in in vitro, preclinical and ongoing Human Phase I trials in the United States, supporting its potential role in global cervical cancer elimination.</li></ul>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/affordable-india-made-hpv-test-offers-hope-for-early-cervical-cancer-detection-article-154555346" data-type="tilCustomLink">Affordable India-Made HPV Test Offers Hope For Early Cervical Cancer Detection</a>

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition caused by HPV infection in which abnormal cells develop on the surface of the cervix. It is also known as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN).

Without treatment, cervical dysplasia can progress to cervical cancer. However, early detection and treatment can prevent abnormal cells from becoming cancerous.

<ul><li>CIN 1 usually resolves on its own and rarely progresses to cancer.</li><li>CIN 2 and CIN 3 are more likely to require treatment to prevent cervical cancer.</li></ul>

<h2>Declining Cervical Cancer Burden in India</h2>

The latest estimates show that annual cervical cancer cases in India have declined from approximately 1.27 lakh to around 79,000, marking a significant public health milestone in reducing the burden of one of the country's most common cancers among women.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Chairman of Oncology, MACS-Renova Oncology Institute, KIMS Hospital, said the development of SHetA2 is a major step toward indigenous innovation and self-reliance in India's fight against cervical cancer.

He noted that "for decades, pre-invasive conditions such as CIN or Stage 0 cervical carcinoma have been managed through surgical procedures including LEEP, laser ablation and cold knife conization. While effective, these treatments can affect cervical competence and future pregnancy outcomes in some women".

According to Dr. Nayak, SHetA2 represents a shift from surgical destruction to non-invasive medical management. As a potential oral or localized therapy, it could eliminate precancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue and cervical structure, an important advantage for younger women who wish to retain fertility.

He added that SHetA2 may also pave the way for targeted therapies against other HPV-associated diseases, including penile and anal intraepithelial neoplasia, as well as certain head and neck cancers.

Health Conditions A-Z

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SHetA2

Cervical Cancer

ICMR tech transfer

MITRA initiative

ICMR

Indigenous Drug Candidate

Cervical dysplasia

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In a major boost to India's fight against cervical cancer, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed SHetA2, an indigenous drug candidate designed to treat HPV-induced cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.The novel anti-HPV therapeutic is being developed to treat Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN)— a precancerous condition caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection— to prevent progression to invasive cervical cancer.SHetA2: Developed Through India-US CollaborationSHetA2 was developed through a collaboration between Dr. Showket Hussain of the ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR) and Dr. Doris M. Benbrook of the Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, USA.It is a first-in-class targeted therapeutic candidate that selectively eliminates HPV-induced precancerous and cervical cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The technology has the potential to provide a safe, affordable and minimally invasive treatment option.Under the Medical Innovations Patent Mitra (MITRA) initiative, ICMR has licensed SHetA2 to Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd.Also read: Cervical Cancer Cases In India Drop 37% Over A Decade, Highlighting Impact Of Screening & HPV VaccinationHow SHetA2 WorksSHetA2 is being evaluated for the treatment of HPV-induced cervical dysplasia and established cervical cancer. According to the ICMR, treating cervical dysplasia at the precancerous stage could significantly reduce the risk of progression to invasive cancer by enabling earlier intervention.According to ICMR, SHetA2:Selectively targets HPV-driven oncogenesis while sparing normal cells.Has demonstrated strong safety, tolerability and improved bioavailability in preclinical and Phase I studies.Can be administered orally or as a vaginal suppository, making it a cost-effective, non-invasive, take-home therapy suitable for global use, including low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Suppresses abnormal cell growth without the tissue destruction associated with current ablative treatments.Has shown no toxicity in preclinical studies while aiming to prevent progression from precancerous lesions to cervical cancer.Inhibits HPV-induced tumour growth by suppressing high-risk HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins through disruption of HSP70 interactions.Has shown promising results in in vitro, preclinical and ongoing Human Phase I trials in the United States, supporting its potential role in global cervical cancer elimination.What Is Cervical Dysplasia?Read More: Affordable India-Made HPV Test Offers Hope For Early Cervical Cancer DetectionAccording to the Cleveland Clinic, cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition caused by HPV infection in which abnormal cells develop on the surface of the cervix. It is also known as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN).Without treatment, cervical dysplasia can progress to cervical cancer. However, early detection and treatment can prevent abnormal cells from becoming cancerous.CIN 1 usually resolves on its own and rarely progresses to cancer.CIN 2 and CIN 3 are more likely to require treatment to prevent cervical cancer.Declining Cervical Cancer Burden in IndiaThe latest estimates show that annual cervical cancer cases in India have declined from approximately 1.27 lakh to around 79,000, marking a significant public health milestone in reducing the burden of one of the country's most common cancers among women.Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Chairman of Oncology, MACS-Renova Oncology Institute, KIMS Hospital, said the development of SHetA2 is a major step toward indigenous innovation and self-reliance in India's fight against cervical cancer.He noted that "for decades, pre-invasive conditions such as CIN or Stage 0 cervical carcinoma have been managed through surgical procedures including LEEP, laser ablation and cold knife conization. While effective, these treatments can affect cervical competence and future pregnancy outcomes in some women".According to Dr. Nayak, SHetA2 represents a shift from surgical destruction to non-invasive medical management. As a potential oral or localized therapy, it could eliminate precancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue and cervical structure, an important advantage for younger women who wish to retain fertility.He added that SHetA2 may also pave the way for targeted therapies against other HPV-associated diseases, including penile and anal intraepithelial neoplasia, as well as certain head and neck cancers.

sheta2: india's indigenous drug candidate for cervical cancer

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