Innovation in Oncolytic Viruses
Oncolytic viruses are genetically modified in various ways to target cancer cells with precision, to maximize their immune enhancing properties and to leave normal cells unharmed. The diversity of suitable virus families and advanced engineering techniques enable the development of a wide range of oncolytic viruses to target specific types of cancers.
At Vyriad, we have developed deep expertise in selecting and engineering oncolytic viruses to better target and infect cancer cells, deliver powerful therapeutic payloads, and mobilize the immune system. We believe our best-in-class oncolytic viral platforms will become a backbone therapy for numerous cancers and ultimately may provide patients with a single shot cure.
Vyriad’s Oncolytic Virus Platforms
Vyriad is developing two oncolytic virus platforms with best-in-class potential in this exciting new field of anti-cancer medicines: vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and measles virus encoding the human thyroidal sodium iodide symporter (MV-NIS). These platforms have natural characteristics that are ideal for creating a generation of safe, trackable and effective oncolytic virotherapies.
How Do Oncolytic Viruses Kill Cancer?
Oncolytic virotherapies use a dual killing mechanism – direct tumor destruction and ignition of anti-cancer immune responses – a potent combination to kill cancer cells.
1. Direct tumor destruction: Oncolytic viruses are engineered to specifically infect cancer cells. But, once inside a cancer cell, they function like any other virus. Within hours of intravenous administration, the oncolytic virotherapy quickly replicates and causes the cancer cell to burst (lyse), releasing large amounts of viral progeny that can infect other cancer cells.
2. Enduring anti-cancer immune response: Following administration, the body mounts an innate and adaptive antiviral response that will contain and ultimately neutralize the oncolytic virus. So, the oncolytic virotherapy must spread rapidly in order to inflict maximum damage to cancer cells throughout the body. As the cancer cells die, they release tumor antigens, which T cells then use to identify and attack uninfected tumor cells.
