In many cancers, there is a disruption in the process and the MHC on the cell surface is missing the tumor antigen peptides that identify the cell as being cancerous. They are basically hidden from the immune system and grow into tumors that eventually kill the person. Because TAP is affected negatively in the disease process, TapImmune's vaccine technology turns TAP back on, supplying peptides to the MHC class I molecule. TAP facilitates the binding of foreign peptides to the MHC class I molecule. TAP facilitates the binding of foreign peptides to the MHC class I complex, displaying them on the cell's surface. Cytotoxic T-cells recognize them as foreign and ultimately neutralize and destroy abnormal cells.



Clinical studies on melanoma when examining primary and metastatic (spreading) tumors show a clear and significant correlation between TAP expression and survival.



The History & Future of TAP Technology

TapImmune (formerly GeneMax) was formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, in the laboratories of immunologist Wilfred Jeffries.who with his colleagues produced exciting data showing that administration of TAP to replace deficient levels in tumors or augment natural levels in viral disease had significant therapeutic effects in animal models. Four years ago, TapImmune principals acquired the technology and intellectual property outright from the university and set out to put together a board of directors and advisory board that understands the technology and its potential and to partner with credible collaborators like the Mayo Clinic and Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation, an organization largely funded by the Gates Foundation.



In discussions with Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation, we identified the potential of TAP for use in the joint development of their next-generation TB vaccine, said Denis Corin, TapImmune's president and CFO. But you could also look at influenza, SARS, HIV H1N1 and many other societal pathogens. We're also working with Dr. Poland and the Mayo Clinic on a new small pox vaccine. But, small pox is the tip of the iceberg. There are a number of nasty viruses that are potential bioterrorism threats and governments around the world could stockpile our TAP vaccine and call on it in the event of a bioterrorist threat.

TapImmune's TAP technology has the ability to complement most current immunotherapy approaches in a current estimated $21 billion market (Global Vaccine Market Outlook (2007-2010), Research & Markets). And, cancer vaccines will become a major player in the vaccine market, expected to be more than $8 billion by 2012.

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