Product pipeline: Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), is the premalignant transformation and abnormal growth (dysplasia) of squamous cells on the surface of the cervix. The major cause of CIN is a chronic infection with high risk HPV types. Most cases of CIN remain stable, or are eliminated by the host's immune system without intervention. However a small percentage of cases progress to become cervical cancer, usually cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), if left untreated.

CIN is frequently diagnosed and can occur at any age, however, women generally develop it between the ages of 25 to 35. CIN has a high spontaneous regression rate: about 50% of CIN 2 will regress within 2 years without treatment. Progression to cancer typically takes 15 (3 to 40) years.

Currently, CIN is treated by the removal or destruction of the lesions in the cervix. Such treatments include cryocautery, electrocautery, laser cautery, Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), and cervical conization. However, these treatments are not always effective as malignant cells may be missed and the underlying infection is not treated. As a result, 20% of surgically treated patients develop recurrences.

ISA Pharmaceuticals considers CIN to be an important follow-up indication after VIN for its SLP® therapeutic HPV vaccine.