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Founders Malcolm McColl (Managing Director) and Chief Scientific Officer Prof. Darren Shafren established ImmVirX in 2019, leveraging their prior success leading Viralytics, which Merck and Co. acquired for A$502 million in 2018. Based in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, ImmVirX develops receptor-targeted oncolytic RNA immunotherapies that utilize bio-selected viruses to infect and destroy cancer cells while triggering anti-tumor immune responses. Their proprietary platform targets specific receptor proteins on cancer cells, designed for cancer types with limited immunotherapy options, including ovarian, head & neck, colorectal, hepatocellular carcinoma, and pancreatic cancers. These therapies can also be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapies. As a clinical-stage company with 21 employees, ImmVirX is progressing drug candidates like IVX-037 and IVX-055 through preclinical phases.
ImmVirX has raised $47.0M across 2 funding rounds.
ImmVirX has raised $47.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
ImmVirX is a clinical-stage oncology company developing receptor-targeted oncolytic RNA immunotherapies designed to selectively infect, replicate in, and destroy cancer cells while stimulating systemic anti-tumor immune responses.[1][2][8] These therapies, such as lead candidate IVX037, target high-unmet-need cancers including microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal, gastroesophageal, ovarian, gastric, and hepatocellular cancers, primarily by enhancing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapies through intratumoral injection.[1][3][6] The company serves patients with advanced solid tumors who have limited treatment options, addressing the problem of insufficient response depth and durability in current immunotherapies by leveraging bio-selected RNA viruses that exploit overexpressed cancer cell receptors.[1][3][8] Growth momentum includes completion of Phase 1a monotherapy dose escalation/expansion for IVX037 as of December 2024, ongoing Phase 1b combination trials with sintilimab (initial readouts mid-2025), and plans for U.S. site expansion under FDA IND in 2025; the firm raised $22 million in 2021 to fund human trials.[3][5]
ImmVirX Pty Ltd was founded in 2019 in New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia, by Darren Shafren and Malcolm L. McColl, building directly on the oncolytic viral therapy expertise from Viralytics, where key team members including directors, executives, and scientists previously worked.[2][4] Operations commenced in 2020 at state-of-the-art R&D facilities at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), supported by the University of Newcastle Research Associates (TUNRA).[2] The idea emerged from advancing Viralytics' technology into a new generation of receptor-targeted oncolytic RNA immunotherapies, with early traction marked by a $22 million funding raise in 2021 to initiate human trials and pre-clinical/manufacturing data development leading to the CP-IVX001 Phase 1 trial start in February 2023.[3][5]
ImmVirX rides the oncolytic virotherapy wave, a pillar of modern immuno-oncology where viruses harness the immune system against cancer, complementing checkpoint inhibitors that have transformed treatment over the past decade.[1][3] Timing is ideal amid surging demand for durable responses in "cold" tumors like MSS colorectal and ovarian cancers, where standard therapies fail; market forces include a 77% Phase I-to-II transition success benchmark for similar assets and partnerships like Innovent Biologics for combination trials.[3][6] The company influences the ecosystem by validating RNA-based oncolytics for solid tumors, potentially expanding access to potent, targeted immunotherapies in Australia/U.S. markets and accelerating combo regimens for intractable cancers.[1][3][5]
ImmVirX is poised for Phase 1b readouts in mid-2025 and U.S. trial expansion, potentially unlocking Phase 2 advancement for IVX037 in MSS colorectal/gastroesophageal/ovarian cancers if safety/efficacy data align with preclinical potency.[3] Trends like AI-driven virus selection, global combo therapy trials, and biologics affordability (e.g., via partners like Innovent) will shape its path, with influence evolving from Australian innovator to global player if LoA metrics hold.[3][6] This positions ImmVirX to deliver the powerful, durable responses promised in its mission, transforming outcomes for patients long underserved by current oncology tools.[1][2]
ImmVirX has raised $47.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
ImmVirX's investors include Acorn Capital.
ImmVirX has raised $47.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $25.0M Series B in June 2023.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 1, 2023 | $25M Series B | — | Acorn Capital | Announced |
| May 1, 2021 | $22M Series A | — | Acorn Capital | Announced |
