Theolytics’ Innovative Approach to Cancer: Oncolytic Viruses and Real Patient Data at the Forefront
12th February 2025
Oxford-based biotech company Theolytics is pioneering a new frontier in cancer treatment by harnessing the power of oncolytic viruses to selectively target tumours while sparing healthy tissue.
For years, cancer patients have faced the grim reality of battling tumours that seem impervious to most therapies. But an Oxford-based company is now making rapid progress with a virus-based therapy, designed to specifically target tumour cells while sparing healthy tissue. What makes this approach truly unique is that it uses real tumour samples from patients, allowing scientists to find the best virus to fight the cancer. Could this innovative approach, developed by Theolytics, be the future of cancer therapy?
Theolytics, a spinout supported by Oxford University Innovation, is leading the way in this cutting-edge cancer treatment by harnessing the power of oncolytic viruses. By combining advanced genetic engineering with a vast library of over 100 million viral variants, the company can offer a differentiated modality and highly effective cancer treatment. Their method stands out because they test these virus variants on fresh tumour samples from real patients, ensuring a much more translational therapy than traditional lab models allow.
“At Theolytics, we’re not just focused on treating cancer – we’re revolutionising its treatment. By combining advanced virus selection using actual patient samples, our platform has the potential to redefine cancer therapy and offer new hope to those who need it most,” said David Apelian, the company’s CEO.
“What makes our approach so powerful is that it moves beyond the traditional methods of trial and error,” Apelian continued. “Rather than using generic virus strains, we’re selecting the most effective, virus therapies by testing them against real tumour samples from actual patients. This ensures we are targeting the cancer in a way that’s truly relevant to the type of cancer being targeted.”
With an extensive library of over 100 million viral variants to choose from, Theolytics is uniquely positioned to accelerate the discovery and development of treatments that could revolutionise cancer care. “The Theolytics Platform is a potential game-changer in the fight against cancer, making therapies more targeted, less invasive, and ultimately more successful.”
Oncolytic viruses are engineered or naturally occurring viruses that specifically target and destroy cancer cells. Unlike typical viruses, which harm healthy cells, oncolytic viruses selectively attack cancer cells while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. This makes them a promising approach to cancer treatment, offering the potential to target tumours with precision while minimising damage to the rest of the body.
Research shows Theolytics’ lead product, THEO-260, is helping more than just attack cancer cells. It also targets cancer-associated fibroblasts, which play a key role in protecting the tumour and making treatments less effective. By killing these fibroblasts, THEO-260 not only helps destroy the cancer, but also breaks down the barriers that prevent other therapies from working.
Theolytics recently secured £2 million in funding from Innovate UK, which will help support ongoing Phase 1 clinical trials of THEO-260 for ovarian cancer.
Driving this groundbreaking work is a dedicated team of 20 experts, all committed to advancing the frontiers of science and medicine. “This funding allows us to accelerate our mission and, most importantly, get closer to providing real hope for patients. Cancer treatment is evolving, and Theolytics is at the forefront of that evolution,” Apelian continued.
Simon Warner, Head of Licensing & Ventures – Life Sciences, at Oxford University Innovation added: “Theolytics represents the power of translating world-class academic research into tangible, life-changing innovations. By harnessing the potential of oncolytic viruses and patient-specific data, they are charting a bold new path in cancer treatment. This is exactly the kind of pioneering work we strive to support at Oxford University Innovation, where groundbreaking science meets real-world solutions.”
Margaret Duffy, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Theolytics, said: “Stromal cells, in particular cancer-associated fibroblasts, embolden the tumour, creating an immune suppressed tumour microenvironment, promoting treatment resistance and disease progression.
“THEO-260 is capable of targeting these fibroblasts and offers an exciting therapeutic opportunity for patients with advanced solid tumours.”
With a clear focus on reshaping the future of cancer treatment, Theolytics’ innovative platform stands as a testament to the power of fresh thinking and collaboration in the fight against one of the world’s most formidable diseases.
words by Richard Woodall
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