Companies jointly work on cervical cancer drug

Minnesota-based 3M and Japanese firm Takeda Pharmaceuticals are jointly developing a drug to treat cervical dysplasia--the precursor to cervical cancer, The Wall Street Journal reports. Cervical dysplasia--abnormal cell growth in the cervix that is considered precancerous--is believed to be linked in almost all cases to certain strains of the human papillomavirus. The experimental drug aims to stimulate the body's immune system to destroy HPV-infected cells in the cervix. The still-unnamed drug is currently in Phase I clinical trials. Phase II tests are expected to begin later this year. Cervical cancer is an AIDS-defining condition in HIV-positive women.