Advancing Cancer Vaccines: Insights from Industry and Academia

The development of cancer vaccines represents a promising frontier in medicine today. Any

such effort to bring a novel approach forward relies on a collaboration between scientists,

entrepreneurs, clinicians, and educators to bring breakthroughs from the lab to the clinic. The leaders driving these advancements often themselves demonstrate how diverse perspectives and expertise are essential to progress in cancer immunotherapy.

Dr. Kenneth Carter, a molecular biologist and entrepreneur, has spent his career in scientific

research and leadership, including exploring the interactions between the immune system and cancer. One of the aspects of his current work focuses on identifying tumor-specific

neoantigens—unique proteins created by mutations—and leveraging them for cancer therapies, including vaccines. Dr. Carter previously founded and led companies like Avalon

Pharmaceuticals and NexImmune, which were among the pioneers in exploring innovative

platforms for human health.

Deborah Barbara Day, a co-founder of the Alliance for mRNA Medicine (AMM), brings decades of experience in business, technology development, and regulatory strategy. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, she led efforts to reposition products for use in advanced therapies, including mRNA manufacturing. Her work at AMM focuses on aligning regulatory frameworks and educating the public and the workforce about the transformative potential of mRNA technologies.

Dr. Mark R. Schleiss, a pediatrician and vaccine investigator, offers unique insights into the role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in cancer. His research suggests that CMV could play a role in

certain cancers, such as glioblastoma and childhood leukemia, and he advocates for universal CMV screening and vaccine development. Through his work, Dr. Schleiss is bridging the gap between pediatrics, oncology, and public health.

Sia Anagnostou, a seasoned biotech professional, adds another layer to this collaborative effort by organizing discussions among experts and driving public awareness. Her ability to bring together diverse voices from academia, business, and science helps raise thought leadership in cancer immunotherapy while addressing public concerns about vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

The collaborative efforts of these leaders illustrate the importance of bridging scientific

innovation with public understanding and regulatory alignment. By combining their expertise, they are not only advancing awareness of cancer vaccines but also shaping a future where these therapies can save more lives.

Learn More:

● Dr. Kenneth Carter - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-carter-619a434/

● Deborah Barbara Day - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-day-barbara-538a596/

● Dr. Mark R. Schleiss - University of Minnesota Bio: https://med.umn.edu/dm_profile/142