ICMR's Indigenous Cervical Cancer Drug (SHetA2) (Health, Diseases and Biotechnology)
ICMR's Indigenous Cervical Cancer Drug (SHetA2) (Health, Diseases and Biotechnology)
Why In News:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has licensed an indigenously co-developed drug contender, SHetA2, for commercialisation, marking a step toward an affordable, minimally invasive treatment for HPV-induced precancerous cervical lesions.
Source: The Indian Express, Page 7, 29 July 2026 - 'ICMR's cervical cancer pill shows promise by stopping HPV from turning cancerous'
SHetA2
SHetA2 was jointly developed by ICMR's National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR) and the Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, USA.
SHetA2 is a small molecule therapy designed to prevent HPV infection from progressing into cancer, particularly targeting cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.
Small molecule therapies are chemically synthesised, low-molecular-weight compounds that can be easily absorbed and utilised by the body.
SHetA2 works by disrupting the interaction between the HPV-E7 oncoprotein and a protective host protein inside human cells.
Normally, this host protein stabilises E7, allowing it to damage healthy cells; however, SHetA2 breaks this link, leading to the destruction of the harmful E7 protein by the body’s natural defence mechanisms.
The therapy is intended for individuals with precancerous cervical lesions.
Cervical Cancer
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer; persistent infection with high-risk HPV types (especially HPV-16 and HPV-18) leads to cervical dysplasia.
India's nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme was launched in February 2026, offering the vaccine free of cost at government facilities to girls around 14 years of age.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, affecting over 79,000 women and causing 36,319 deaths in 2024, according to Global Cancer Observatory data.
It accounts for over 10% of all cancers among women and about 5.1% of the total cancer burden in the Indian population.
India's 'screen and treat' approach for cervical cancer relies on VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic acid), Pap smear cytology, and HPV DNA testing as primary screening tools under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Key facts for Prelims
The 90-70-90 targets are WHO's global cervical cancer elimination goals: 90% of girls fully vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women screened by ages 35 and 45, and 90% of those with cervical disease receiving treatment, all by 2030.
ICMR functions under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
It is the apex body in India responsible for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research.
It plays a key role in advancing medical science, guiding public health policies, and addressing emerging health challenges in the country.