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§ Private Profile · Oxford, England, UK
Theolytics is a technology company.
Theolytics develops transformative oncolytic immunotherapies designed to improve outcomes for cancer patients. The company’s core product involves engineering and utilizing viruses to selectively target and destroy cancer cells while stimulating the immune system. This approach leverages systematic phenotypic screening technologies and deep expertise in virology, cancer biology, and immunology to create novel therapies.
The company emerged from an insight into the potential of harnessing viruses to combat disease, specifically within oncology. While specific founder details are not readily available in public snippets, the foundational idea centers on pioneering a new category of cancer therapies through this innovative viral platform, drawing on advanced scientific research.
Theolytics’ primary focus is on individuals impacted by cancer, aiming to provide accessible, innovative treatments that represent a significant advancement in therapeutic options. Their long-term vision is to deliver these oncolytic viruses as a robust solution, striving towards a future where more effective and accessible cancer therapies are standard.
Theolytics has raised $33.3M across 3 funding rounds.
Theolytics has raised $33.3M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Theolytics has raised $33.3M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Theolytics's investors include Epidarex Capital, M Ventures (Merck), Taiho Ventures.
Theolytics has raised $33.3M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $2.6M Grant in September 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2024 | $2.6M Grant | — | — | Announced |
| Apr 17, 2024 | $23.6M Venture Round | — | — | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2021 | $7M Series A | Epidarex Capital | M Ventures, Taiho Ventures | Announced |
Theolytics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation oncolytic immunotherapies using engineered adenoviruses to target and destroy cancer cells, particularly in hard-to-treat solid tumors.[1][2][4] It serves patients with cancers like platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and hematological malignancies, addressing unmet needs by creating viruses that selectively lyse tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts while activating the immune response and enabling intravenous delivery.[1][3][5][6] The lead program, THEO-260, is in Phase 1/2 clinical trials (OCTOPOD-IV in Europe and OCTOPOD-IP in the US), with preclinical programs advancing, supported by recent £2 million Innovate UK funding and backing from investors like Taiho Ventures, M Ventures, and Oxford Science Enterprises.[1][3][5][6]
Founded in 2017 as a spinout from Oxford University Innovation, Theolytics emerged from research harnessing oncolytic viruses, combining genetic engineering with a library of over 100 million viral variants tested on real patient tumor samples for more translational efficacy.[1][2][6] The leadership team brings over 40 years of experience in oncolytic virus development, with CEO David Apelian (MD PhD MBA) joining recently to advance clinical programs, alongside experts like Dr. Saggese leading trial expansion.[2][5][6] Early traction included securing international funding and initiating first-in-human trials for THEO-260, marking a pivotal shift from preclinical to clinical stage.[1][5]
Theolytics rides the oncolytic virus wave in immuno-oncology, where viruses reprogram tumors to provoke immune attacks, aligning with trends in precision medicine and combination therapies amid rising demand for non-invasive, IV-administrable options.[1][3][5] Timing is ideal post-COVID virotherapy advances and failures of prior generations, with market forces like high ovarian cancer recurrence rates (platinum-resistant cases) and £2M Innovate UK support favoring rapid clinical progress.[1][6] It influences the ecosystem by validating patient-derived screening, potentially accelerating biotech pipelines through partnerships and setting standards for stromal-targeting in solid tumors.[3][6]
Theolytics is poised to advance THEO-260 through Phase 2 readouts, expand preclinical assets into trials, and pursue partnerships for combo regimens in immuno-oncology.[3][5] Trends like AI-driven variant screening and regulatory nods for IV oncolytics will shape growth, potentially evolving its influence from niche ovarian focus to platform leader in tumor microenvironment therapies. This positions Theolytics to deliver transformative outcomes in cancers long underserved by conventional treatments.[1][6]