Why In News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) transferred the development and commercialization rights of the experimental drug SHetA2 to Emcure Pharmaceuticals. 

What is SHetA2?

First-in-Class Therapeutic: It is a small-molecule drug that selectively destroys Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-infected, abnormal cells while sparing healthy cervical tissues.

Mechanism of Action: The drug targets three human host proteins—mortalin, heat shock cognate (hsc70), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78)—to disrupt the protective shield of the E7 oncoprotein, allowing the body’s immune system to eliminate cancer cells.

Administration: It offers a non-surgical, painless alternative to invasive procedures like Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), designed for use as an oral capsule or vaginal suppository.

Development Status: Following successful Phase I clinical trials in the US, Emcure Pharmaceuticals now leads the five-year pipeline for Phase II and Phase III human trials in India.

 About Cervical Cancer

It is the second most common cancer among women in India. India reports 127,526 new cases and 79,906 deaths annually, which contributes to over 65% of the entire cervical cancer burden of the Southeast Asia region. (Source: WHO)

Stark Disparity with China: Despite having a massive population, China reports fewer annual deaths (55,694 deaths) compared to India's 79,906. Without intervention, India's cervical cancer deaths are projected to rise by 92% to 153,862 by 2050. (Source: GLOBOCAN)

Risk Factors: Key risks include early marriage, multiple sexual partners, poor genital hygiene, persistent high-risk HPV strains, and a complete lack of medical screening.  

Source: INDIATODAY

PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. With reference to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, consider the following statements:
  1. HPV is a diverse group of single-stranded RNA viruses that primarily infect the respiratory tract.
  2. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains 16 and 18 is responsible for nearly 99% of all cervical cancer cases.
  3. The indigenous vaccine 'Cervavac' is a therapeutic drug designed to eliminate existing HPV-induced precancerous lesions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: HPV is a diverse group of double-stranded DNA viruses (not RNA) that infect the epithelial cells of the skin and mucosal membranes, primarily in the genital tract.
Statement 2 is correct: Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains (particularly 16 and 18) causes approximately 99% of all cervical cancers. 
Statement 3 is incorrect: 'Cervavac' is a quadrivalent preventive vaccine (administered to girls aged 9–14 to prevent the acquisition of the infection). It is not a therapeutic drug for existing lesions. SHetA2 is the therapeutic candidate designed to treat existing precancerous lesions.