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Allstate Workplace Division Sponsors Clinical Trial for Breast Cancer Vaccine
Jacksonville, Fla., July 30, 2007 — Allstate Workplace Division, a subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation, has funded a grant for $220,426 through Gateway for Cancer Research (formerly known as Cancer Treatment Research Foundation) to support a Phase I Clinical Trial of a vaccine that may fight Stage IV breast cancer.
The trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new Mammaglobin-A DNA vaccine to be used in Stage IV breast cancer patients. Mammaglobin-A is a protein involved in normal breast development and is found almost exclusively in breast tissue. It is present at much higher levels in breast cancer and has become a reliable marker for the presence of the disease.
William E. Gillanders, MD, of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, is the primary researcher. Dr. Gillanders and his team have developed a new drug that binds with the breast cancer-related protein Mammaglobin-A to create a complex antigen, a sign to the body’s immune system that a foreign body is present. This new complex antigen is expected to activate a cancer patient’s immune system to begin killing off the breast cancer cells. In the clinical trial, women with Stage IV breast cancer will be given this new vaccine and then will be evaluated for effects on the cancer cells as well as any adverse reactions.
“This cutting edge vaccine may be an enormous breakthrough in breast cancer research, offering a greater chance of survival for women with late stage breast cancer as well as a possible vaccination for people at high risk of being diagnosed with this devastating disease.” says David A. Bird, President of Allstate Workplace Division.
Allstate Workplace Division, a premier provider of cancer insurance since 1969, has been a sustaining corporate contributor to Gateway for Cancer Research since 2004 and donates money to its fund relative to the volume of cancer policies sold. Cancer insurance policies from Allstate Workplace Division represent about 20 percent of all Allstate Workplace Division policies written.
Gateway for Cancer Research is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to curing cancer through funding patient-centered clinical studies that impact those battling cancer. Thanks to generous underwriting of operational expenses, 99 cents of every dollar donated to Gateway for Cancer Research goes directly to fund cancer research programs.
Allstate Workplace Division is the marketing name used by American Heritage Life Insurance Company, Jacksonville, Fla., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Allstate Corporation. American Heritage Life Insurance Company is licensed in 49 states, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Worksite products are sold exclusively through independent agents and brokers. Customers and Independent producers can access information about the company’s products and services by visiting www.allstateatwork.com
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,800 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.
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