BioVaxys and Sona Nanotech Enter Research Collaboration

BioVaxys Technology Corp. and Sona Nanotech Inc. have announced a research collaboration to develop innovative cancer therapeutics by combining BioVaxys’ DPX immune-educating platform with Sona’s targeted hyperthermia therapy (THT). THT uses infrared light absorbed by Sona’s gold nanorod (GNR) technology to heat and destroy solid tumors while eliciting an immune response.

The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both technologies. Sona’s THT can induce the expression of neoantigens on tumor cells, while BioVaxys’ DPX platform is designed to enhance the presentation of these antigens to the immune system, potentially boosting the efficacy of THT, particularly in immunotherapy-resistant cancers.

Initial research will evaluate the immune-stimulatory properties of DPX alongside THT, and the use of DPX as a carrier for tumor-specific neoantigens generated by THT. Studies will be conducted at Dalhousie University under the direction of Dr. Carman Giacomantonio (Sona’s CMO) and Dr. Barry Kennedy.

Both companies will contribute their technologies, with research costs covered by the Giacomantonio Immuno-Oncology Research Group. Any resulting therapeutic candidates will be jointly owned, and the companies plan to establish a commercialization agreement before initiating Phase 1 clinical trials.

Preclinical studies have shown Sona’s THT to induce strong anti-tumor immunity, even in immunotherapy-resistant models. BioVaxys’ DPX platform has demonstrated its ability to generate robust and durable immune responses in various preclinical and clinical studies, showing superior immune stimulation compared to common vaccine adjuvants. This collaboration holds the potential to create more effective treatments for challenging solid tumors.