OncoSenX is a technology company.
OncoSenX has raised $8.0M across 2 funding rounds.
OncoSenX has raised $8.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
OncoSenX is a late-stage preclinical biotechnology company developing targeted gene therapies for solid tumors.[1][2][5] It builds a proprietary platform using a Proteo-Lipid Vehicle (PLV)—a non-toxic lipid nanoparticle—to deliver plasmid DNA that induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells based on their transcriptional activity, such as p53 expression.[1][2][5] This serves cancer patients and oncologists by addressing the limitations of traditional chemotherapy, offering a less invasive, more precise alternative with reduced side effects and no reliance on cell-killing poisons.[2][4][5] The company, formerly Oisin Oncology, Inc. and a spinoff from Oisín Biotechnologies, has raised funding including a $3M round in 2019 and remains in preclinical development with candidates like OSX-002.[1][3][4]
OncoSenX was founded in 2017 in Seattle, Washington, as a spinoff from Oisín Biotechnologies, which developed a programmable suicide gene therapy platform initially for clearing senescent cells.[1][2] CEO, Chairman, and co-founder Matthew Scholz, previously founder of gene therapy firm Immusoft, led the venture to adapt the technology for cancer, targeting solid tumors with minimal changes to the core platform.[2][4][7] Chief Science Officer John Lewis contributed expertise on precise cancer cell targeting via genetic mutations.[4] Early traction included a $3M raise in 2019 to advance preclinical work toward Phase 1 trials, positioning it as a pioneer in non-viral gene therapies.[1][4]
OncoSenX rides the wave of precision oncology and non-viral gene therapies, capitalizing on advances in lipid nanoparticles (proven by mRNA vaccines) for safer DNA delivery.[1][2][5] Timing aligns with surging demand for targeted solid tumor treatments amid chemotherapy's toxicity limits and immunotherapy gaps, as genetic profiling reveals universal cancer markers like p53 dysregulation.[2][4] Market forces favor it: aging populations drive cancer incidence, while regulatory nods for LNPs accelerate paths to clinic.[1][4] It influences the ecosystem by validating "suicide gene" platforms from senescence research, potentially enabling combo therapies and inspiring spinoffs in age-related diseases via parent Oisín.[1][2]
OncoSenX is poised to enter Phase 1 trials, leveraging its $3M-funded preclinical momentum and PLV safety data to disrupt solid tumor treatment.[1][4] Trends like AI-driven transcriptional profiling and next-gen LNPs will refine its logic-gate targeting, expanding to more indications beyond p53.[2][5] Its influence may grow through partnerships (e.g., Oisín, JLabs) and potential acquisition by big pharma seeking non-viral alternatives, cementing programmable cell death as the next cancer frontier—echoing its mission to fight disease with genetic precision.[1][5]
OncoSenX has raised $8.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
OncoSenX's investors include 305 Ventures, ff Venture Capital, Mayfield, SOSV, Starbridge Venture Capital, TechU Angels, Ning Sung, Borderless Capital, Pillar VC, Rebel Fund, Susquehanna Capital, Harrison Uffindell.
OncoSenX has raised $8.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $5.0M Seed in March 2020.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2020 | $5.0M Seed | 305 Ventures, ff Venture Capital, Mayfield, SOSV, Starbridge Venture Capital, TechU Angels, Ning Sung | |
| Jul 1, 2019 | $3.0M Seed | 305 Ventures, Borderless Capital, ff Venture Capital, Mayfield, Pillar VC, Rebel Fund, SOSV, Starbridge Venture Capital, Susquehanna Capital, TechU Angels, Harrison Uffindell, Mei Z., Ning Sung |