UP Oncolytics Awarded Grant to Develop Innovative Cancer Therapy at RFU

UP Oncolytics, a pioneering biotech firm housed within Rosalind Franklin University's Helix 51 biomedical incubator, has made headlines by being awarded a significant grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The esteemed $75,000 Illinois Innovation Voucher grant aims to empower small businesses through collaboration with local universities, fostering advancements in medical sciences and biotechnology. This funding will specifically help UP Oncolytics propel its groundbreaking research into new treatments for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), which is infamously known as one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

Significance of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma Multiforme is a dire health concern, accounting for a considerable number of cancer-related deaths in the United States, particularly among men under the age of 40. Each year, approximately 13,000 new diagnoses are made, making it essential to explore novel therapeutic approaches. Unfortunately, the prognosis for these patients is grim: they experience a median survival time of only 14 months, with a bleak five-year survival rate resting at just 7.1%. Disturbingly, no new therapeutic agents have been approved in the U.S. for the treatment of GBM in the past two decades, highlighting an urgent need for innovation in this area.

The Grant's Impact on Research and Development

The Illinois Innovation Voucher grant will be instrumental in funding important Investigational New Drug (IND) experiments at Rosalind Franklin University's dedicated research facilities. Dr. Richard Rovin, the CEO of UP Oncolytics and an experienced neurosurgeon, expressed his gratitude towards both ISTC and DCEO for their support, emphasizing the importance of this funding in developing novel therapeutic options for patients facing the devastating impacts of GBM. He stated, "I am hopeful there will be an effective treatment in the near future for the patients afflicted by this disease."

Joseph DiMario, PhD, who serves as the executive vice president for research at RFU, echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the collaborative efforts behind this initiative and the potential it holds. With UP Oncolytics at the forefront of research, progress in finding effective therapies for treating GBM looks promising.

UP Oncolytics and Its Innovative Therapy

In 2025, UP Oncolytics signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Advocate Health to utilize an innovative oncolytic virus as part of its therapeutic approach. The company has also secured a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Fast Track program. Additionally, their malignant glioma therapy received FDA Orphan Drug designation, showcasing the recognition and urgency surrounding advancements in treatment options for brain cancers.

Expanding its expertise, UP Oncolytics has bolstered its board of directors with seasoned professionals, including Dr. Gary Gordon, a former vice president of clinical oncology at AbbVie, and Michael Rosen, who has vast experience in oncology biotech as a former CEO.

Recognizing Rosalind Franklin University's Commitment

Established in 1912, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science has been at the forefront of fostering educational and research excellence in the biomedical field. The university’s strong focus on interprofessional education is dedicated to improving wellness and serving the global community. Dr. Rosalind Franklin herself, recognized for her significant contributions to DNA structure discovery, inspires the institution’s mission.

RFU is celebrated for its research in neuroscience, brain-related ailments, and various health concerns, making it an ideal collaborative partner for UP Oncolytics' ambitious objectives. With a strong foundation in medicine and science, RFU continues to lead the way in biomedical innovation, and the future looks promising as they strive to combat aggressive cancers like GBM.

In conclusion, the partnership between UP Oncolytics and Rosalind Franklin University, bolstered by the Illinois Innovation Voucher grant, epitomizes the essential and dynamic collaboration necessary to drive forward innovative treatments for cancer. Continued efforts funded by strategic grants and university engagement can pave the way for breakthroughs that will enhance the lives of those impacted by one of the deadliest forms of cancer.