The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted a patent to University of Rochester in New York for research conducted on the human papillomavirus virus (HPV). The research by Rochester virologists Robert Rose, Richard Reichman, and William Bonnez led to development of vaccines now used to prevent cervical and other cancers caused by HPV.
The Rochester team discovered virus-like particles that mimic HPV, but are otherwise harmless. Because of their similarity to real HPV, the particles can generate an immune response that prevents infection. The researchers also conducted the first tests of these properties on humans.
Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and can also infect the mouth and throat. HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. The virus can be passed on between straight and same-sex partners, even when the infected partner has no signs or symptoms. Cervical cancer is the cancer most commonly caused by HPV, but it can also cause cancers in the genital areas, anus, mouth, and throat.
The work by Rose, Reichman, and Bonnez covered by U.S. patent 8,062,642 focused on the specific HPV-16 strain, the most prevalent cancer-causing type of HPV. Another strain, HPV-18 is also frequently involved in cancers, and Rochester holds patents related to this type in Australia and Europe.
Two vaccines — Gardasil, made by Merck & Co., and Cervarix, made by GlaxoSmithKline — protect against both HPV 16 and HPV 18, as well as several other types.
Read more: Univ. Researchers Develop Dry Powder HPV Vaccine
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