Loading organizations...
Oncorena develops ONC175, a first-in-class pharmaceutical treatment for metastatic renal cancer, including Clear-Cell and Papillary Renal Carcinoma. This intravenously administered drug is a synthetic version of orellanine, a natural compound from Cortinarius mushrooms. Its approach delivers a highly organ-specific cytotoxic effect, aiming for a favorable safety profile and improved long-term patient survival.
Oncorena AB was founded in 2011 in Gothenburg, Sweden, with Professor Börje Haraldsson, an accomplished MD and PhD, as a key founder. The company emerged from the insight that a natural substance could be developed into a breakthrough therapy, addressing the critical unmet medical need in advanced metastatic renal cancer.
Oncorena’s therapy targets patients suffering from metastatic renal cancer, offering a novel option where existing treatments often fall short. The company's vision is to save human lives by transforming innovative research into effective, safe treatments, aspiring to lead in oncology and profoundly improve outcomes for advanced kidney cancer patients.
Oncorena has raised $7.0M across 1 funding round.
Oncorena has raised $7.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Oncorena has raised $7.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $7.0M Series U in December 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2021 | $7M Series U | — | HealthCap | Announced |
Oncorena has raised $7.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Oncorena's investors include HealthCap.
Oncorena AB is a Swedish pharmaceutical company developing ONC175, a first-in-class drug candidate containing synthetically produced orellanine, for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (clear cell or papillary types).[1][2][5][6] The treatment targets advanced kidney cancer in patients on dialysis, leveraging orellanine's organ-specific toxicity to kidneys, which preclinical data shows exerts powerful anti-tumor effects without broadly affecting other organs.[1][2] Oncorena serves patients with limited treatment options, addressing the high unmet need in metastatic kidney cancer where current therapies often fail to provide curative potential.[1][5] The company demonstrates strong growth momentum, including a fully subscribed 133 million SEK (US$13.9M) share issue in June 2025 to fund the second part of its Phase I-II Oncorella-1 trial (NCT05287945), supported by major investors like HealthCap, Linc, and FSG.[1]
Headquartered in Lund and founded in 2011 in Gothenburg, Oncorena has advanced from research to clinical stages, initiating its Phase I-II trial in 2022 at Karolinska University Hospital and reaching Phase 2 for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma by 2023.[2][4][5]
Oncorena was founded in 2011 in Gothenburg, Sweden, by Börje Haraldsson, who serves as CEO and co-founder, building on his research as a professor at the University of Gothenburg alongside Jenny Nyström.[1][2][5] The idea emerged from studies on orellanine, a toxin from certain mushrooms known for inducing irreversible kidney failure while sparing other organs, which showed preclinical promise as a targeted therapy for metastatic renal cancer.[1][2] Early support came from Vinnova (Sweden’s Innovation Agency), GU Ventures, and private business angels, enabling the transition from academic research to a privately-held pharma company now headquartered in Lund's Medicon Village.[1][2][5]
Pivotal moments include initiating the Phase I-II Oncorella-1 trial in February 2022 for advanced kidney cancer patients on dialysis, and the 2025 funding round that ensures completion of the trial's second part, signaling robust early traction and investor confidence.[1][2]
Oncorena stands out in oncology through its novel approach to organ-specific chemotherapy:
Oncorena rides the trend of precision oncology and toxin-derived therapies, capitalizing on mushroom toxin research repurposed for targeted cancer treatment amid rising demand for kidney cancer innovations.[1][2] Timing is ideal as metastatic renal cell carcinoma affects thousands annually with poor prognosis post-standard immunotherapies and TKIs, creating space for organ-specific agents like orellanine.[4][6] Favorable market forces include Sweden's biotech ecosystem (e.g., Lund's Medicon Village), government innovation funding, and global interest in novel small-molecule drugs, as seen in its trial at Karolinska.[2][5] Oncorena influences the ecosystem by pioneering fungus-based renal therapies, potentially expanding to other kidney-specific indications and inspiring toxin repurposing in pharma R&D.[1][3]
Oncorena's path hinges on Oncorella-1 readout within the next year, per CEO Haraldsson, potentially validating ONC175 as a breakthrough if it demonstrates efficacy and safety.[1] Trends like AI-driven drug discovery and personalized oncology will accelerate its pipeline, while partnerships could fast-track approvals. Its influence may grow by reshaping metastatic renal cancer treatment, filling a critical gap and attracting acquisition interest from big pharma, building on its strong investor base and Swedish biotech momentum.[1][2]
