ImmVira

ImmVira is a clinical-stage biotechnology company established in May 2015, specializing in the development of anti-cancer therapies using genetically modified viruses. The company was founded by a distinguished group of academics, including Professor Bernard Roizman and Professor Grace Zhou from the University of Chicago, leveraging decades of research in virology. Professor Roizman is a world-renowned virologist, recognized for his foundational contributions to the field of human herpesvirus research. Dr. Grace Zhou, who serves as the company's Chairwoman and CEO, has over 30 years of experience in virology, immunology, and biotechnology and previously served as a Research Associate Professor at the University of Chicago and a professor at Guangzhou Medical University.

ImmVira's core business revolves around its proprietary drug development platform, OVPENS (Open Vector+ Potent, Enabling, Novel & Safe), which utilizes biological vectors like the oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) and biosynthetic exosomes to deliver anti-cancer agents. The company's business model is focused on the research, development, and eventual commercialization of these therapies, targeting a range of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Revenue generation will likely stem from drug sales post-approval, alongside strategic partnerships, co-development agreements, and out-licensing deals, such as its collaboration with Roche on a combination therapy study.

The company's lead product candidate is MVR-T3011, a 3-in-1 oncolytic virus engineered from HSV-1. This product is designed to selectively replicate within and destroy tumor cells while also expressing two additional therapeutic proteins—an anti-PD-1 antibody and Interleukin-12 (IL-12)—to stimulate a potent anti-tumor immune response within the tumor microenvironment. ImmVira is developing MVR-T3011 for multiple administration routes, including intratumoral (IT) injection for direct delivery to the tumor and intravenous (IV) administration for treating metastatic cancers. Clinical trials are underway in both the U.S. and China for various cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), for which the FDA has granted Fast Track designation, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), and late-stage solid tumors. The company's pipeline also includes MVR-C5252, which targets malignant glioma, and therapies for non-oncology fields like cosmetic and dermatological conditions.

Since its inception, ImmVira has secured significant funding through multiple rounds, including a $58 million Series B in 2020 and subsequent Series C rounds, attracting investors such as Huagai Capital, China Merchants China Direct Investments, and Shanghai Healthcare Capital. These funds support the advancement of its clinical trials, pipeline expansion, and the construction of a global R&D and commercialization base in Suzhou, which is expected to house manufacturing and research facilities.

Keywords: oncolytic virotherapy, cancer immunotherapy, herpes simplex virus, gene therapy, MVR-T3011, Grace Zhou, Bernard Roizman, OVPENS platform, biological vectors, intratumoral injection, intravenous cancer therapy, solid tumors, head and neck cancer, bladder cancer, malignant glioma, clinical trials, PD-1 antibody, IL-12, biosynthetic exosomes, vector delivery, tumor microenvironment, anti-cancer therapies