PhotonPharma Launches Phase 1 Clinical Trial for Innovative Cancer Treatment

PhotonPharma Inc. Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Innocell™

Fort Collins, Colorado — February 5, 2026
PhotonPharma Inc., a pioneering company in personalized cancer immunotherapies, has announced the opening of participant recruitment for its Phase 1 clinical trial investigating Innocell™, an innovative autologous cellular immunotherapy designed to treat recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. The trial is registered under the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06366490.

Partnership with City of Hope

This groundbreaking clinical trial is being executed in collaboration with City of Hope, a prominent research institution recognized for its advanced cancer treatment programs. City of Hope is acclaimed among the best cancer treatment centers in the United States, according to the U.S. News & World Report. This partnership marks a significant step in exploring a cutting-edge therapeutic option that leverages patients’ unique tumor cells to inspire targeted immune responses against malignancies.

CEO and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Raymond P. Goodrich expressed enthusiasm for the trial’s commencement, stating, "Innocell represents a fundamentally different approach to cancer immunotherapy, presenting the complete spectrum of tumor antigens to the immune system, potentially overcoming the challenge of tumor heterogeneity that often diminishes the effectiveness of existing therapies."

Details of the Clinical Trial

The Phase 1 trial intends to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the technology in patients battling recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. The study will provide critical insights into the real-time safety profiles and immunologic responses triggered by this investigational cellular treatment.

Ovarian cancer poses a major public health challenge, with around 20,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States and nearly 13,000 deaths attributed to this disease each year. Alarmingly, approximately 70-80% of patients are diagnosed at later stages (III or IV). Although surgical interventions and chemotherapy have improved, recurrence rates remain distressingly high, with almost 50% of patients experiencing relapse within three to five years after initial treatment.

A Commitment to a Critical Unmet Need

Dr. Mihae Song, an assistant professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at City of Hope and the principal investigator for the trial, highlighted the limited treatment options available for recurrent ovarian cancer patients. "City of Hope is dedicated to conducting translational research that addresses even the most challenging cancers. PhotonPharma’s novel approach provides a promising new avenue that could empower patients’ immune systems to recognize and destroy cancer cells," she said.

The Innocell™ Technology

Innocell™ employs a unique autologous cellular immunotherapy system that utilizes a proprietary photochemical inactivation technique combining ultraviolet light and riboflavin (vitamin B2). Initially engineered for pathogen inactivation in blood products, this technology is now used globally, ensuring that the tumor cells used in treatment are rendered incapable of replication, while still retaining their metabolic activity and enhancing antigen presentation.

This patented process allows for customized therapy to be prepared within one week, significantly quicker than many existing autologous cell treatments. After harvesting the tumor cells via surgery or biopsy, they are processed and combined with an adjuvant to boost immune activity. Following this preparation, the cells are administered intradermally to stimulate extensive immune responses, activating both cellular (T-cell mediated) and humoral (antibody-mediated) immunity.

Participation in the Trial

Adults aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who have previously undergone at least one line of platinum-based therapy and are seeking a standard next-line treatment are encouraged to contact City of Hope or check ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06366490) for detailed eligibility criteria and enrollment information.

About PhotonPharma Inc.

PhotonPharma is steadfast in its mission to develop innovative autologous cancer therapies that capitalize on the body’s own immune system to combat disease. With a strong emphasis on personalized medicine, the company’s flagship product, Innocell™, aspires to deliver safe and effective treatments for a spectrum of solid tumors. Notably, in February 2024, PhotonPharma received FDA clearance for its first Phase 1 clinical trial in the US, marking the onset of human clinical evaluation for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer using the Innocell™ investigational autologous vaccine therapy, in partnership with City of Hope in Los Angeles.

For more information about PhotonPharma’s innovative research, contact Dr. Valerie Ray, Vice President of Operations, or reach out to City of Hope’s media representatives.