Seven significant oncolytic virus companies worth recognizing
In the ever-evolving landscape of cancer research, oncolytic virus (OV) therapies are emerging as a promising approach to harness the power of the immune system in the fight against malignant cells. These innovative treatments, which enable a patient's own immune system to recognize, attack, and clear their cancer, are currently under development by several biotech companies.
Akamis Bio, formerly known as PsiOxus Therapeutics, focuses on using its Tumor-Specific Immuno-Gene Therapy platform to treat solid tumors. While specific trial stage details about Akamis Bio's OV therapies are not publicly available, the company's strategic positioning and the dynamic growth of the OV market suggest that their candidates are likely in preclinical or early-phase clinical trials.
Calidi Biotherapeutics is another active player in the OV field, with a commitment to revolutionizing the effective delivery and potentiation of oncolytic viruses for targeted therapy against difficult-to-treat cancers. Although no explicit clinical trial stage information is available, Calidi is known to be advancing novel OVs that may be in early clinical or translational evaluation.
CG Oncology is noted among key players in the OV field and is engaged actively in clinical development programs. While the exact stage of their OV candidates is not explicitly stated, CG Oncology is reported to be involved in early-phase or potentially phase 2 studies for their lead OV candidates.
Genelux is participating in clinical studies, possibly in phase 1/2 trials for their oncolytic adenovirus platform. The global oncolytic virus therapies market is expected to reach $609.7 million in 2028, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.2% during the forecast period, reflecting the growing interest and investment in this field.
IconOVir Bio is an active developer focused on OVs, likely having candidates in preclinical or early clinical stages. Specific clinical trial progress is not detailed in the available sources.
KaliVir Immunotherapeutics recently announced FDA clearance of an Investigational New Drug application to initiate a phase 1 trial for its oncolytic virus candidate, ASP1012, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
TILT Biotherapeutics stands out with the most advanced and publicly detailed clinical programs. Their lead candidate, RP1, is currently in phase 2 trials, showing promising response rates in advanced melanoma. Additionally, a phase 3 trial evaluating RP1 in combination with nivolumab is ongoing.
Oncolytic virus therapy, especially adenovirus- and HSV-1-based, is rapidly expanding with multiple ongoing clinical trials, particularly in solid tumors like melanoma, glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer, and others, as well as hematologic malignancies. The FDA has recently granted fast track designation to certain novel OV candidates, indicating accelerated clinical development within early human trials. Clinical progress is most advanced for HSV-1-based OVs such as T-VEC (FDA-approved) and RP1 in melanoma, with promising phase 2 and 3 results.
In conclusion, the oncolytic virus therapy market is expanding, with numerous trials underway targeting hard-to-treat cancers and combination therapies with immunotherapies gaining momentum. The future of OV therapies holds great promise for cancer patients worldwide.
Cell therapy, science, and health-and-wellness intertwine as various biotech companies, such as Akamis Bio, Calidi Biotherapeutics, CG Oncology, Genelux, IconOVir Bio, KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, and TILT Biotherapeutics, work on oncolytic virus (OV) therapies for cancer treatment. These innovative treatments, like the adenovirus and HSV-1-based OVs, are in different stages of clinical trials, with some, like TILT Biotherapeutics' RP1, reaching phase 2 and phase 3 trials. Clinical trials in the oncolytic virus therapies market are expected to reach $609.7 million by 2028, reflecting continuous investment in this promising field. Gene therapy, immunotherapy, and biotech collaborations are likely to drive further progress in the development of effective OV therapies.
