OncoVation: Innovating Gene Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Our mission is to develop a new and highly effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, using our platform gene therapy to restore the critical tumor suppressor gene WWOX that is impacted in about 70% of all pancreatic cancer patients. Our animal model studies prove the feasibility of our approach.
Novel Therapeutic Oncology Target
Our mission is to improve the lives of those suffering from Pancreatic and other cancers where the WWOX tumor suppressor gene or its expression is altered
Restoring WWOX
WWOX tumor suppressor gene is altered (mutations, deletions or reduced expression) in ~70% of pancreatic cancer cases. We showed that restoring WWOX shrinks pancreatic tumors in multiple mouse models.
Delivering Cures
In mouse pancreatic cancer models (mutation-driven or human PDAC xenografts) we are able to deliver and express WWOX using AAV, LNPs and other methods, with excellent outcomes.
Mechanism of Action
WWOX is essential to maintain genome stability, modulate extracellular matrix, and regulate the tumor microenvironment (TME). Restoring WWOX enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapies and immunotherapies.
Development Path
OncoVation is currently conducting delivery optimization, validation and other pre-clinical studies on the path to clinical development towards IND-enabling studies.
Pre-Clinical Results
WWOX is a critical tumor suppressor gene frequently inactivated in pancreatic cancers
Extensive research has validated WWOX as a key regulator of tumor growth, and restoring its function has shown remarkable promise in patient-derived xenograft cells and preclinical models.
WWOX Gene Therapy has been Validated in Mouse Pancreatic Cancer Models
Our studies have demonstrated compelling efficacy in a novel KWC mouse model and the known KPC-derived orthotopic model, a gold-standard humanized model that closely mimics human pancreatic cancer. This significantly enhances the translatability and clinical relevance of our findings, providing a strong foundation for further validation.
Dual Delivery Systems to Restore WWOX Function
● mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs): Enables rapid and efficient delivery of WWOX mRNA, triggering immediate restoration of tumor suppressor activity.
● Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) vectors: Provides sustained WWOX expression, ensuring durable therapeutic effects.
This synergistic approach offers a distinct advantage over traditional gene therapies, potentially achieving both rapid onset and long-lasting tumor suppression.
%
Pancreatic Cancers have WWOX Deficiency
Glioblastoma (GBM) Cases have WWOX Deficiency
Triple-Negative Breast Cancers have WWOX Deficiency
Prostate Carcinoma WWOX cases have Deficiency
OncoVation
Leadership Team
Seasoned Business and Scientific Team in Place
Anthony Franco
Founder
Experienced Pharma Executive across multiple pharmaceutical companies
Mahmoud El-khateeb
Founder
Pharma Leadership. Brought multiple therapeutics from bench to FDA approval to market
Jeff Spitzner
Founder
12X life sciences startup founder including gene therapy
Rami Aqeilan
CSO
Our superstar scientist inventor of the WWOX platform