UP Oncolytics Receives Matching Grant to Boost Brain Cancer Therapy Innovations

Advancing Brain Cancer Treatment: UP Oncolytics Secures Grant

In an exciting development for neuro-oncology, UP Oncolytics, a biotech startup located in Milwaukee, has successfully secured a $75,000 matching grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This funding is intended to bolster its research into oncolytic virus therapies aimed at treating gliomas, the most common type of brain cancer.

Formed as a spin-out from the Advocate Aurora Research Institute, UP Oncolytics is making significant strides in cancer treatment. This latest grant complements an impressive $500,000 award they received last year from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the SBIR Phase I Fast Track program. Together, these financial boosts highlight the confidence placed in the company's innovative approach to addressing one of oncology's most challenging areas.

Collaborative Research Environment

Located at Rosalind Franklin University's Innovation and Research Park—an ecosystem designed to foster collaboration among researchers and entrepreneurs—UP Oncolytics benefits from an environment rich in resources and expertise. The park not only encourages partnerships among various disciplines but is also home to six research centers that focus on different disease areas.

Recently, UP Oncolytics expanded its research laboratories within the Helix 51 biomedical incubator, a key facility within RFU. Under the guidance of Dr. Parvez Akhtar, their chief scientific officer and co-founder, the company has been ramping up its research capabilities. Notably, UP Oncolytics welcomed Dr. Steven Markwell, a seasoned scientist previously associated with AbbVie, who specializes in pre-clinical glioblastoma models and research into tumor microenvironments.

The company has also strengthened its leadership by bringing in Dr. Gary Gordon, a former oncologist trained at the esteemed Johns Hopkins, onto its board. With over 13 years of experience in oncology development at AbbVie, Dr. Gordon's expertise is expected to significantly enhance UP Oncolytics' strategic direction.

Focus on Gliomas and Beyond

The funding secured through the matching grant will intensively support the preclinical development of the company's lead therapy—an oncolytic virus specifically designed to target gliomas. Through ongoing research, UP Oncolytics is also exploring the potential applicability of these therapies to other cancer types, which could broaden the impact of their innovations.

In a notable round of FDA approvals for the company, the agency granted Orphan Drug designation to UP Oncolytics for their oncolytic virus therapy aimed at gliomas in late 2024. This designation allows for a more streamlined development process, giving hope to patients in urgent need of new treatment options for this aggressive cancer.

CEO's Vision for the Future

Dr. Richard Rovin, the company's President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the progress made over the past year, particularly regarding the establishment of new laboratories within Helix 51. He highlighted the critical need for innovative treatments for malignant gliomas, stating, "There is an urgent, unmet need for new treatments for malignant gliomas. We are working hard to bring our oncolytic virus into clinical trials."

In agreement with Dr. Rovin's sentiment, Dr. Joseph DiMario, Executive Vice President for Research at RFU, conveyed optimism regarding the potential impact of UP Oncolytics' work, particularly for glioma patients who currently have limited options.

Looking Ahead

The future appears bright for UP Oncolytics as it continues to push the boundaries of cancer treatment through innovative therapies designed to combat some of the most challenging forms of the disease. With strong institutional support and a robust research framework, the company is positioning itself to make significant contributions to the treatment of gliomas and potentially other aggressive cancers.

To learn more about UP Oncolytics and their groundbreaking research, visit their website at uponc.com. For further information on Rosalind Franklin University and their contributions to medical research, check out rosalindfranklin.edu.