Diakonos Oncology to Showcase Innovations at the 2026 Biotech Showcase
Diakonos Oncology Corp., a prominent clinical-stage biotechnology firm, is set to join the upcoming
2026 Biotech Showcase in San Francisco from January 13-15. Specializing in developing cutting-edge immunotherapies for treating aggressive and challenging cancers, the company's participation underscores its commitment to advancing cancer treatment methodologies.
Event Overview
The
Biotech Showcase provides a vital platform for micro to mid-cap biotechnology companies to exhibit their innovations and establish connections with global investors. During this premier event,
Jay Hartenbach, President and COO of Diakonos Oncology, will take center stage to present an overview of the company's latest clinical advancements, particularly focusing on
DOC1021. This investigational therapy represents a first-in-class, patient-derived double-loaded dendritic cell approach for treating aggressive cancers.
Key Presentations
Hartenbach will not only present the progress of DOC1021 but also participate in an enlightening panel discussion with other industry-leading executives. The discussion will revolve around how recent technological strides are catalyzing transformative changes in the fields of cell and gene therapy. Here are the details:
Date: January 12, 2026
Time: 2:15 PM PST
Location: Franciscan B, Hilton Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102
- - Panel Session: Engineering the Future: Advances in Cell and Gene Therapies
Date: January 13, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM PST
Location: Yosemite A, Hilton Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102
Innovations in Immunotherapy
Diakonos Oncology is pioneering a unique therapeutic technique with DOC1021, which integrates tumor lysate and enhanced tumor-derived mRNA to enhance the body's immune response against cancer. This innovative treatment method utilizes a patient's dendritic cells, preparing them with mRNA and tumor proteins gathered from freshly obtained tumor specimens, thus promising a more effective immunotherapy solution.
This
double-loading strategy, which simulates a viral infection, enables a robust and synergistic TH1 response capable of targeting a comprehensive cancer antigen pool. What's more, it bypasses the need for molecular modifications to the patient’s immune cells, as well as preconditioning chemotherapy or high doses of IL-2 for administration. This allows for patient-friendly outpatient procedures that can be accessed at community cancer centers nationwide.
Clinical Trials and Designations
Currently, Diakonos has two ongoing clinical trials involving DOC1021: a Phase 1 study focused on pancreatic cancer and a Phase 2 investigation into glioblastoma (GBM). The company has optimistically received
Fast Track designations from the FDA for both these studies, affirming their commitment to accelerating the development process for treatments that meet significant medical needs. Additionally, the GBM program has been bestowed with
Orphan Drug Designation to further facilitate its development.
To ensure comprehensive support for its research endeavors, Diakonos is collaborating with the
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) for the refractory melanoma trials using DOC1021, further entrenching its commitment to innovation in cancer therapy.
Conclusion
Based out of Houston, Diakonos Oncology Corp. continues to establish itself as a leader in advancing cancer immunotherapy. With pioneering programs like DOC1021, they are tackling the crucial unmet medical needs posed by late-stage and aggressive cancers. For more information, visit their website:
Diakonos Oncology.
For inquiries, contact:
David Schull
Russo Partners
Phone: 858-717-2310
Email: [email protected]
Jay Hartenbach
Diakonos Oncology
Email: [email protected]