BioNTech begins 'mRNA' clinical trial against lung cancer

A lung cancer patient at UCLH has become the first in the UK to receive a new cancer vaccine aimed at boosting the immune response against lung cancer cells. The vaccine, called BNT116, is an mRNA-based immunotherapy made by the German company BioNTech. It targets tumor markers from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

UCLH consultant Siow Ming Lee stated, "Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide." The study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of BNT116 among 130 participants across seven countries. Janusz Racz, the first participant, hopes his involvement will help other patients in the future.

This trial reportedly "represents a significant step in cancer treatment innovations."