Oncorus develops next-generation oncolytic virus therapies built on a proprietary oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) platform and a synthetic oncolytic virus platform. Its lead candidate, ONCR-177, is an intratumorally administered oHSV clinical candidate armed with multiple transgenes and designed to be fully replication-competent while selectively attenuated in normal tissues. The company is also advancing a synthetic platform and novel delivery methodology intended to enable repeat intravenous (systemic) administration for indications where intratumoral dosing is not feasible, such as lung cancer. Oncorus plans to use proceeds from its recently completed financing to advance ONCR-177 into the clinic in early 2020 and to progress its portfolio for systemic administration. The company emphasizes proprietary safety strategies including micro-RNA attenuation and inactivation of neuronal retrograde transport to prevent replication in healthy tissues. Oncorus is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. Oncorus is a Cambridge, MA–based immuno-oncology company focused on an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) platform. Its lead candidate is in preclinical development for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The company plans to advance oncolytic viral constructs through preclinical development and into clinical trials, expand and improve its technology platform, and accelerate development of pipeline programs across other cancer types. Management is led by CEO and CSO Mitchell H. Finer, Ph.D., and President and CBO Cyrus D. Mozayeni, M.D. Oncorus licensed patent rights from the University of Pittsburgh based on work by Joseph Glorioso III, Ph.D., and Paola Grandi, who will join its Scientific Advisory Board. Proceeds from the Series A financing are being used to advance its immunotherapy platform and support R&D and pipeline progression.

Total raised

$84M

Funding rounds

2

Latest round

Series B

Latest activity

Aug 2019