IconOVir Bio is a technology company.
IconOVir Bio has raised $77.0M across 1 funding round.
Key people at IconOVir Bio.
IconOVir Bio has raised $77.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Key people at IconOVir Bio.
IconOVir Bio has raised $77.0M in total across 1 funding round.
IconOVir Bio's investors include Endeavor Venture Funds, Nextech Invest, UpHonest Capital, Vida Ventures.
IconOVir Bio is a preclinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation oncolytic virus therapies to treat solid tumors in cancer patients.[1][2][3] Headquartered in San Diego, California (with a corporate office in New York), it builds a proprietary platform of engineered viruses that selectively target and infect tumor cells, addressing limitations of earlier oncolytic viruses like poor intravenous delivery and limited tumor selectivity.[1][2] The company serves oncology patients globally, solving unmet needs in cancer treatment by creating potent, tumor-selective therapies deliverable intravenously.[2][4] In 2023, IconOVir raised $77 million in Series A financing, signaling strong early momentum from investors including Two River Group, and appointed experienced leadership to advance its pipeline, including lead candidate IOV-1042 in preclinical stages for neoplasms.[2][5]
IconOVir Bio was founded in 2018 by Two River Group, a team chaired by Arie Belldegrun, M.D., FACS—known for founding Kite Pharma, Allogene Therapeutics, and Kronos Bio.[2][3] The company's scientific foundation stems from over a decade of oncolytic virus research by Clodagh O’Shea, Ph.D., from the Salk Institute, whose technology powers IconOVir's platform.[1][2] A pivotal moment came with the 2023 Series A raise of $77 million and the appointment of Mark McCamish, M.D., Ph.D., as CEO, alongside David Chang, M.D., Ph.D., as Board Chairman—both with deep expertise in oncology and virotherapy.[2] This backing and leadership marked early traction, positioning IconOVir to transition from discovery to clinical development.[2]
IconOVir stands out in oncolytic virotherapy through these key strengths:
IconOVir rides the surging wave of oncolytic virus therapies, a trend accelerating with immuno-oncology advances like CAR-T and checkpoint inhibitors, where viruses enhance immune attack on tumors.[1][2] Timing is ideal amid rising demand for precision cancer treatments—solid tumors remain challenging for existing therapies, and IconOVir's IV-deliverable platform taps market forces like $billions in oncology R&D and regulatory nods for virotherapies (e.g., T-VEC approvals).[2] It influences the ecosystem by advancing Salk-derived tech toward clinic, backed by Kite Pharma alumni, potentially disrupting standards of care and inspiring next-gen viral engineering in biotech hubs like San Diego.[1][2][3]
IconOVir is poised for IND filings and Phase 1 trials with IOV-1042 in 2026+, leveraging its $77M war chest and leadership to deliver first-in-class oncolytic viruses.[2][5] Trends like AI-optimized viral design and combination immuno-therapies will amplify its path, while combo trials with PD-1s could fast-track efficacy data. Its influence may grow as a pipeline leader, evolving from preclinical pioneer to potential acquisition target—echoing back to its mission of curing cancer through breakthrough virotherapy.[2][4]
IconOVir Bio has raised $77.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $77.0M Series A in January 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2021 | $77.0M Series A | Endeavor Venture Funds, Nextech Invest, UpHonest Capital, Vida Ventures |
