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A new oral therapy called SHetA2 has shown promising results in preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection from progressing to cervical cancer. The therapy is being evaluated as a potential treatment for HPV-induced cervical dysplasia and early cervical cancer.

What is SHetA2 Therapy?

• SHetA2 is a small molecule therapy developed to prevent HPV infection from becoming cancerous. Small molecule drugs are chemically synthesized, low-molecular-weight compounds that are easily absorbed by the body and can enter cells to target specific proteins.
• The therapy is currently being evaluated as an oral capsule for treating precancerous cervical lesions (cervical dysplasia) and cervical cancer caused by HPV infection.

How Does SHetA2 Work?

• SHetA2 targets three host proteins—Mortalin, Heat Shock Cognate 70 (Hsc70), and Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 (Grp78)—which are essential for the survival and activity of HPV-induced cancer cells.
• It disrupts the interaction between the HPV-E7 oncoprotein and a protective protein inside human cells. Once this protective interaction is broken, the E7 protein is destroyed by the body's natural defence mechanisms, preventing abnormal cells from progressing to cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), with more than 100 known types. While many HPV infections resolve naturally, certain high-risk strains can cause cervical cancer as well as cancers of the anus, throat, vulva, vagina, and penis.
• HPV spreads mainly through skin-to-skin sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Around 80% of people are infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime.
• There is no specific cure for HPV infection. The HPV vaccine remains the most effective method of preventing HPV-related cancers, while regular screening helps detect precancerous lesions at an early stage.