New Oral Therapy Shows Promise in Preventing Cervical Cancer From HPV

A new oral therapy, known as SHetA2, is showing potential in blocking the progression of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection to cervical cancer. While the capsule cannot prevent the initial HPV infection, it targets the cancer-causing proteins of the virus, thereby preventing the development of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions.

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers caused by an infection and is preventable through vaccination. In India, it is the second most common cancer among women, affecting over 79,000 and causing 36,319 deaths in 2024, according to Global Cancer Observatory data. The disease accounts for just over 10% of all cancers in women and 5.1% of all cancers in the Indian population.

SHetA2 is a small molecule therapy designed to stop HPV from causing cancer. Small molecule therapies are chemically manufactured, low-weight compounds that are easily absorbed by the body and cost-effective to produce.

The therapy works by targeting three host proteins – mortalin, heat shock cognate (hsc70), and glucose regulated protein 78 (Grp78) – which are essential for the proliferation of the HPV oncoprotein (E7). Dr. Showket Hussain, senior scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR), explains: "SHetA2 breaks the connection between the HPV-E7 protein and a host protein inside human cells. Normally, this host protein protects E7 and allows it to keep damaging healthy cells. When the connection is broken, the harmful E7 protein is destroyed by the body's normal immune defences."

This mechanism ensures that the therapy selectively affects cancer cells while sparing normal ones. The therapy is intended for individuals who have developed precancerous lesions of cervical cancer. Based on preclinical evidence, it has potential applications in treating high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical cancer. Phase II clinical studies will determine the exact patient population and stage at which it is most effective.

Currently, SHetA2 has been evaluated in an oral capsule form. Researchers are exploring localized delivery methods, such as vaginal suppositories, to maximize drug concentration in the cervix while reducing systemic exposure.

The therapy was discovered and developed by the Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma. ICMR-NICPR evaluated its efficacy in preclinical studies and validated its mechanism of action. Both institutions hold the intellectual property rights. The therapy has been transferred to Emcure Pharmaceuticals for further development, including larger human trials that may take up to five years before market availability.

The final cost is yet to be determined, depending on clinical trial expenses, manufacturing, regulatory approvals, and commercialization strategies. However, as an orally administered small-molecule drug, it is expected to be significantly more affordable than many biologic or immunotherapy-based cancer treatments. It may reduce the need for hospitalization, prolonged visits, or infusion-based care, as the medication can be taken at home.