Biotech firm based in Britain secures $15 million funding as its weaponized cancer-fighting virus begins clinical trials
Oncolytic Virus Technology: A Growing Frontier in Biotech
The world of biotech is abuzz with the dynamic development of oncolytic virus technology, a promising approach that is currently in an active clinical and research stage. Companies like PsiOxus and Transgene are leading this evolving field, contributing to ongoing innovation and clinical research.
The global market for oncolytic virus immunotherapy was valued at approximately $156.8 million in 2024 and is projected to more than double to $429.1 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.3%. This growth is driven by a surge in clinical trials that combine oncolytic viruses with checkpoint inhibitors, expanding the therapeutic horizons in oncology.
How Oncolytic Viruses Work
Oncolytic viruses are genetically engineered or naturally occurring viruses that selectively infect and kill tumor cells while stimulating anti-cancer immune responses. This dual-action mechanism is being tested extensively in solid and hematologic malignancies.
Notable Developments
Oncolytics Biotech, not PsiOxus or Transgene but a close peer in this space, reported promising clinical data for its oncolytic virus candidate pelareorep. They have observed meaningful survival improvements and evidence of antitumor immune activation in trials. Other companies like Calidi Biotherapeutics are advancing oncolytic virus platforms designed for systemic delivery and targeting of metastatic cancer, indicating a broader biotechnological momentum in this approach.
PsiOxus and Transgene: Key Players
Although explicit recent clinical or financial updates on PsiOxus and Transgene were not found, they are frequently mentioned among the 41 companies involved in the increasing wave of oncolytic virus immunotherapy development. Their inclusion in industry reports suggests they remain active players with platforms under clinical evaluation or development.
PsiOxus historically has focused on engineered oncolytic viruses designed to stimulate immune responses and improve tumor targeting, indicating its alignment with the broader clinical trends. PsiOxus aims to systemically administer "gene therapy for tumors." Its viruses can be enhanced with new genes to produce antibodies, cytokines, immunomodulatory proteins, or nucleotide-based weapons.
Transgene's oncolytic virus trial against glioblastoma is a comeback for the company. They are conducting a Phase I/IIa trial to test their 'next generation' oncolytic virus against glioblastoma.
Transgene and Oryx biotech: Collaborative Efforts
Transgene and Oryx biotech are both working on oncolytic viruses for the treatment of glioblastoma. Oryx biotech's ParvOryx virus is a type of oncolytic virus. They will investigate it as part of a combination therapy.
Milestones and Partnerships
The deal between PsiOxus and Bristol-Myers Squibb was signed in December 2016. Bristol-Myers Squibb will pay PsiOxus a $15M (€13M) milestone payment. This payment could rise to $936M (€795M) if the product's development and commercialization go well, as PsiOxus hopes to become the world's leading immuno-oncolytic company.
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The oncolytic virus market faces challenges such as manufacturing scale-up issues, viral shedding risks, immunogenicity, and the need for improved safety profiling. However, regulatory alignment worldwide is improving clinical trial harmonization, and increasing global cancer incidence, refractory cancers with limited treatment options, and growing advocacy for personalized cancer immunotherapies support strong market demand.
In summary, oncolytic virus technology is in a dynamic developmental phase, with growing clinical validation and a market expected to more than double in size by 2030. Companies like PsiOxus and Transgene remain key players in this evolving space, contributing to ongoing innovation and clinical research, although their specific current clinical milestones require more updated company disclosures or reports.
- The oncolytic virus therapy, a significant part of the science field and health-and-wellness sector, is being developed by companies like PsiOxus and Transgene, with the global market projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.3% till 2030, given the rising clinical trials in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.
- Oncolytics Biotech, another biotech company, has shown promising results in clinical trials for its oncolytic virus candidate, pelareorep, indicating potential advancements in the treatment of various medical-conditions, particularly cancers.
- Collaborative efforts in the oncolytic virus research are underway, as demonstrated by Transgene and Oryx biotech's joint venture to develop oncolytic viruses for the treatment of glioblastoma, a type of cancer.
