Cancer vaccine could be available by 2030 thanks to scientists behind Covid jab

Scientists who were involved in the development of Covid jab say that a cancer vaccine could be available "before 2030".

Professors Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci co-founded BioNTech, which played a part in the development of the Pfizer/BioNTech - one of the leading Covid jabs.

The company was previously researching cancer immunotherapies that could be tailored to individual patients.

The couple say that their involvement in the Pfizer Covid-19 jab has helped spur on their efforts to develop a cancer vaccine.

Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg on her Sunday BBC programme, Professor Türeci said: "We have learned how to better, faster manufacture vaccines. We have learned how the immune system reacts.

"This will definitely accelerate also our cancer vaccine."

The couple are the co-founders of BioNTech, a biotechnology company based in Germany. (AFP via Getty Images)

While they are hesitant to definitively say they can find a cure for cancer, they are confident that they are on the right path having had "a number of breakthroughs" thanks to the Covid vaccine development and rollout.

BioNTech uses of mRNA technology in vaccines, which use only a virus’s genetic code to build resistance rather than a weakened form of the virus.

Professor Türeci described how the technology warns the body in a way that's similar to "the 'wanted poster' of the enemy".

Professor Şahin told Laura Kuenssberg that a cancer vaccine could become available "before 2030".

While the professors are optimistic, BioNTech's treatments for bowel cancer, melanoma and other tumour types will take several years to test and several promising cancer trials have ended in failure.

Professor Türeci said: "As scientists we are always hesitant to say we will have a cure for cancer."

The interview came after Moderna announced was suing BioNTech and Pfizer, for patent infringement over the company’s Covid-19 vaccine.

When asked about this, Prof Şahin said: "Our innovations are original. We have spent 20 years of research in developing this type of treatment and of course we will fight for our intellectual property."

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