Vyriad

About Vyriad

Vyriad is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing oncolytic virus-based therapies to treat various forms of cancer. The company was founded in 2015 by Dr. Stephen Russell, a physician-scientist from the Mayo Clinic, who serves as the CEO. Dr. Russell's extensive background in molecular medicine and his research on using the measles virus to infect and kill cancer cells laid the groundwork for Vyriad's core technology.

The company engineers viruses, such as the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) and the measles virus, to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This approach, known as oncolytic virotherapy, also stimulates the patient's immune system to recognize and fight the cancer. Vyriad's lead product candidates, including Voyager-V1 (derived from VSV) and its measles virus-based therapies, are being evaluated in multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials. These trials are testing the therapies both as monotherapies and in combination with other immuno-oncology drugs like immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Vyriad's clinical studies target a range of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and bladder cancer. The company collaborates with prominent research and medical institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic and Regeneron, to advance its clinical programs. Vyriad's business model revolves around the research, development, and eventual commercialization of its proprietary oncolytic virus platforms. The company has secured funding through various rounds, including a significant Series B financing, to support its ongoing clinical trials and research operations.