Startups
2009
THERIVA BIOLOGICS SL (formerly VCN BIOSCIENCES SL)Developing the next generation of oncolytic adenovirus
Company sold to Grifols in 2012.
Grifols sold all his shares to Synthetic Biologics in December 2021 for 66M€
Company sold to Grifols in 2012.
Grifols sold all his shares to Synthetic Biologics in December 2021 for 66M€
Address
Avinguda de la Generalitat, Spain
Finance Data
CERCA ownership
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
2004
Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL)
CERCA Center Contact
LT
Laia TravesetResponsable innovació
Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL)Status & Deeptech areas
Company Status & Company Deeptech AreasCurrent company status
DeepTech Area
Spinoff information
Company Description
VCN Biosciences SL is a privately-owned company focused in the development of new therapeutic approaches for tumors that lack effective treatment. The company uses an oncolytic adenovirus technology platform to design highly selective and efficient agents that replicate and self-amplify exclusively in tumor cells. The selectivity of VCN oncolytic adenoviruses allows their systemic administration, which is especially relevant for the treatment of disseminated cancer. Contrary to chemotherapy, the ability of oncolytic virus to self-amplify in tumor cells results in an effective dose increase with time. These properties highlight VCN candidates as promising alternatives for the treatment of refractory tumors such as pancreatic adenocarcinomas,
Product description
VCN Biosciences uses a technological platform based on oncolytic adenoviruses or virotherapy. This novel class of targeted anticancer agents has a unique mechanisms of action compared to other cancer drugs. Oncolytic viruses can detect cancer mutations, replicate or self-amply within cancer cells, lyse them thereby killing them and then propagate the oncolytic effect to neighbouring cancer cells. The therapeutic effect is therefore amplified within tumours reducing the viral dose needed to reach tumours.
Among different viral backbones developed for virotherapy, oncolytic viruses derived from human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5wt) are especially appealing given the limited pathogenicity of this virus and the possibility to control the expression of its genes.
Currently VCN has four exclusive patent licenses in independent technologies developed internally and in collaboration with the Virotherapy Group of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO-IDIBELL) that result in enhanced antitumoral potency of oncolytic adenoviruses.
Among different viral backbones developed for virotherapy, oncolytic viruses derived from human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5wt) are especially appealing given the limited pathogenicity of this virus and the possibility to control the expression of its genes.
Currently VCN has four exclusive patent licenses in independent technologies developed internally and in collaboration with the Virotherapy Group of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO-IDIBELL) that result in enhanced antitumoral potency of oncolytic adenoviruses.
Company Closed or Exit Year