OncoResponse

OncoResponse operates as a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on immuno-oncology, a field dedicated to harnessing the body's immune system to fight cancer.

The company was established in 2015 through a collaboration between The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the former Theraclone Sciences. Clifford J. Stocks, who previously led Theraclone Sciences, is a founder and serves as the Chief Executive Officer. His career spans over two decades in the biotech industry, including a key role at ICOS Corporation during its acquisition by Eli Lilly. The company's formation was supported by an initial $9.5 million Series A financing from investors including ARCH Venture Partners, Canaan Partners, and MD Anderson. Subsequent funding rounds have included a $40.6 million Series C in 2021 and a combined $27 million from a CPRIT grant and investor funding in 2023, bringing total funding to nearly $110 million by 2021.

OncoResponse's core business revolves around discovering and developing therapeutic antibodies by studying the immune systems of 'elite responders'—patients who have shown exceptional responses to cancer immunotherapies. This approach is facilitated by a strategic alliance with MD Anderson, which provides access to patient samples and extensive clinical data. The business model is centered on leveraging its proprietary B-cell discovery platform, known as I-STAR™, to identify rare, naturally occurring antibodies from these elite responders that can modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). The company's revenue generation will depend on the successful clinical development and subsequent commercialization or licensing of its therapeutic candidates.

The company’s lead product candidate, OR2805, is a fully human monoclonal antibody that entered Phase 1/2 clinical trials in late 2021. This antibody targets CD163, a receptor highly expressed on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which are known to create an immunosuppressive environment that hinders anti-tumor T-cell responses. By binding to CD163, OR2805 is designed to reprogram these suppressive macrophages, potentially unlocking a potent anti-tumor response both as a monotherapy and in combination with existing checkpoint inhibitors. Preclinical studies have shown that OR2805 can increase T-cell activation and proliferation. Another key pipeline candidate is OR502, an antibody targeting LILRB2, which also aims to modulate suppressive macrophages and is slated for clinical studies.

Keywords: immuno-oncology, antibody discovery, elite responders, tumor microenvironment, B-cell platform, cancer therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, clinical-stage biotech, OR2805, CD163, tumor-associated macrophages, checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, OncoResponse, Clifford J. Stocks, OR502, LILRB2, I-STAR technology, human antibody platform, cancer immunotherapy