In St. Louis, Missouri, a local start-up is using novel research to make a big difference. The start-up, known as Unleash seeks to develop a unique cure for cancer. Keep reading to learn more about the big deal that is this small company. Continue learning more about the developments at the original source here.
Unleash Immuno Oncolytics develops viruses. Specifically they design viruses to help battle cancer.
Cancer’s adaptability makes it incredibly difficult to treat. It evolves and grows; it seems to always be one step ahead of the body’s defense system. One reason for this is that cancers develop unique mechanisms which they use to confuse or disable the body’s immune response.
Unleash’s viruses provide a way to alter the equation. When a cancer beats the body’s immune system, the virus gives it a rallying cry.
In other words, the virus helps point out where the cancer is hiding, or cancels out the trick that allows cancer to outwit the immune response. The virus itself doesn’t fight cancer, but it allows the body to get back in the battle.
As research continues, viruses are being developed to be increasingly “smart.” The goal is specificity while keeping toxicity levels low. Already, the treatments are less harmful to the body than chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
As a result of ongoing research, multiple investors find themselves attracted to Unleash. A Japanese pharmaceutical company recently contributed $3 million in investments. Bio-Generator (BioSTL), a local St-Louis investor, also offers support to Unleash. BioSTL’s President and CEO, Donn Rubin, notes the impact of these large global investments. He describes financing from places like Japan as “game changer[s]” for St. Louis. Investments like these aid in the development of ideas, “bring[ing] the, down the pipeline…” to a place where lives can be changed.
Unleash will likely require two or three years to work through clinical trials and safety regulations, but the company remains hopeful that it will attract investors and be able to improve patient lives and outcomes.
Development at Unleash currently includes at virus to battle ovarian cancer. Another ongoing project seeks to develop a virus that will identify cancer that has metastasized or spread throughout the body.
