Canada and the UK have joined forces in a groundbreaking project aimed at developing next-generation immunotherapies for malignant melanoma, a life-threatening form of skin cancer. The initiative, led by Canadian biotech firm Genvira Biosciences Inc., UK-based LabSkin Limited, and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), has received a major funding boost of approximately €1.2 million ($2.0 million CAD) under the Canada-UK Biomanufacturing of Biologics and Advanced Therapies Program.

The funding comes from both Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and Canadian government programs, including the NRC’s Collaborative Science and Technology Innovation Program (CSTIP) and the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).

Addressing a Global Health Challenge

Malignant melanoma continues to pose a serious public health challenge globally, with an estimated 330,000 new cases and 60,000 deaths annually. The joint project aims to accelerate the development of innovative cancer vaccines and antigen delivery systems by combining each partner’s core strengths in biotechnology.

Cutting-Edge Collaboration

As part of the initiative:

LabSkin Limited will leverage its expertise in disease modeling to develop a sophisticated 3D human skin model of melanoma for in vitro testing of vaccine candidates.

Genvira Biosciences will contribute its proprietary viral vector and gene delivery platforms.

The NRC will integrate its mRNA technology capabilities to engineer targeted immunotherapies.

This consortium brings together advanced know-how in viral vectors, mRNA technologies, 3D tissue engineering, and scalable biomanufacturing. The project will also emphasize rapid, quality-controlled production processes essential for future healthcare readiness.

Leadership Comments

Dr. Nicola Kingswell, Scientific Director at LabSkin Limited, expressed gratitude for the funding support, stating,

“We’re thankful to Innovate UK for contributing to the project. It symbolizes a positive change in the treatment of malignant melanoma, which will benefit many patients globally. This collaboration will produce and validate new immunotherapies. It has also established an excellent framework for developing next-generation cancer therapeutics.”

Become a valued research partner with us – https://www.towardshealthcare.com/schedule-meeting

Dr. Jiahu Wang, President of Genvira Biosciences, added,

“Firstly, huge thanks to NRC IRAP for their support and the NRC for their effective partnership role. This collaboration helps us to continuously translate our viral vector technologies into clinical applications for melanoma. It helps us to broaden advancement in cancer immunotherapy.”

Strengthening International Innovation

This cross-border initiative underscores the value of international collaboration in tackling pressing global health challenges. By pooling expertise, infrastructure, and funding, the project aims to deliver faster, more effective solutions for cancer treatment and potentially set a new benchmark for immunotherapy innovation.

Request a customized case study tailored to your business needs and gain deeper insights into healthcare market strategies: sales@towardshealthcare.com