ImmVirX

About ImmVirX

ImmVirX is a clinical-stage Australian biotechnology company developing next-generation oncolytic viral immunotherapies to treat cancers with high unmet needs. The company was founded in 2019 by the core leadership and scientific team from Viralytics, including CEO Dr. Malcolm McColl and Chief Scientific Officer Professor Darren Shafren. This followed their success with Viralytics, which was acquired by Merck & Co., Inc. for A$502 million in 2018, one of Australia's largest biotech sales.

The founders' journey began with over two decades of research led by Professor Shafren at the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), where he developed the oncolytic virus CAVATAK. Building on this expertise, ImmVirX was established with support from the University of Newcastle Research Associates (TUNRA) and continues to operate from its original R&D facilities at HMRI. The company's business model is focused on advancing its proprietary bio-selection platform to develop RNA viruses that target specific receptors overexpressed on cancer cells. These viruses are designed to selectively infect and destroy tumor cells (oncolysis), inducing a systemic anti-tumor immune response. This approach aims to enhance the efficacy of existing treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies, particularly in "cold" tumors that do not typically respond well to immunotherapy.

ImmVirX's lead candidate, IVX037, entered a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial in 2023 for patients with late-stage colorectal, gastric, or ovarian cancer. The company is also developing a second asset, IVX055, targeting lung cancer, with clinical trials anticipated to begin in 2025. A key part of its strategy involves clinical collaborations, such as its agreement with Innovent Biologics to test IVX037 in combination with the checkpoint inhibitor sintilimab (TYVYT®). The company has successfully raised significant capital, including a $22 million Series A in 2021 and a $25 million Series B in 2023, to fund its clinical trials and pipeline development through 2026.