The startup develops a measles vector-based platform for cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development against infectious diseases by genetically modifying measles viruses. This technology enables the use of viral vectors to enhance treatment efficacy for cancer patients and improve vaccination strategies for viral infections.
Funding
$14.8M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Conventional cancer treatments often face limitations due to toxicity and drug resistance, while immunotherapies show varying response rates, leaving many patients without effective long-term solutions. The need exists for therapies that can overcome the immunosuppressive tumor environment and provide a more personalized approach to cancer treatment. Similarly, the rapid emergence of novel infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, highlights the need for adaptable and safe vaccine platforms that can induce strong and long-lasting immunity.
Solution
CanVirex is developing a measles virus-vectored platform for cancer immunotherapy and vaccine development. The platform uses genetically modified measles viruses to deliver therapeutic transgenes or pathogen-specific antigens to target cells. For cancer immunotherapy, the oncolytic viruses selectively infect and destroy cancer cells while simultaneously delivering immunotherapeutics to modulate the immune system within the tumor microenvironment. For vaccination, the platform delivers pathogen-specific antigens, stimulating a strong and durable cellular and humoral immune response. This dual approach leverages the inherent immunogenicity and safety profile of the measles vaccine virus to create versatile and effective treatments for both cancer and infectious diseases.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes cancer patients seeking alternative or complementary immunotherapies, as well as individuals at risk of or exposed to infectious diseases requiring effective vaccination strategies.
Features
- Utilizes a modified measles virus vector for targeted delivery of therapeutic payloads.
- Employs oncolytic viruses to selectively infect and destroy cancer cells.
- Delivers immunotherapeutics directly to the tumor microenvironment to enhance immune response.
- Induces strong and long-term cellular and humoral immunity through antigen delivery.
- Platform allows for rapid development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
- Vectors are designed for safety and commercial scalability.
- Includes a biomarker program to identify patient-specific treatment options.