9 Most Impactful Immuno-Oncology Startups to Follow in 2023

Last Updated: September 28, 2023 By TRUiC Team

Entrepreneurs are a rare breed. It takes a special amount of hustle, optimism, and guts to embark on a business venture that will change the world, and immuno-oncology is no exception. Immuno-oncology is a type of cancer treatment that uses our body’s immune system to prevent or control cancer. It’s an important, noble pursuit, and it’s no wonder entrepreneurs everywhere are flocking to the industry in order to bring about change.

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Immuno-Oncology Companies to Watch

Every year, new startups pull to the forefront of their industry through exciting innovation and industry-disrupting business models. We’ve rounded up the most exciting immuno-oncology startups of 2023 that startup-lovers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs should follow.

Disclaimer: With so many exciting startups launching and growing worldwide, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups that are listed below are not officially ranked and are listed in no particular order.

1. Odyssey Therapeutics

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Funding: $386 Million

Odyssey Therapeutics is new to the immuno-oncology scene, but don’t let that deter you in any way. CEO and founder Gary Glick has an extensive background in immunotherapy and startups, including experience as a chemistry professor at the University of Michigan.

Glick’s goal is to transform immunotherapy as we know it by addressing current drug limitations and working to overcome them. With over 30 years of expertise under his belt, Odyssey Therapeutics is a startup worthy of your attention in the coming years.

2. Artiva

Location: San Diego, California
Funding: $198 Million

Artiva’s mission is to provide highly effective, off-the-shelf cell-based therapies that are accessible and readily available to all cancer patients. Artiva utilizes a form of immunotherapy that uses NK cells (a type of white blood cell) to target cancerous cells in the body. The company has developed its own unique pipeline and NK cell therapy that works to get solutions to cancer patients in a quick, safe way.

3. Pyxis Oncology

Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Funding: $174 Million

Founded in 2019, Pyxis Oncology is working to eradicate difficult-to-treat cancers by targeting cancerous cells via its state-of-the-art biologics solutions. This distinct approach aims to create new pathways designed for cancer patients who may not have had success with a traditional treatment plan. The company has partnered with Pfizer and other industry leaders to shake up the market.

4. Asher Biotherapeutics

Location: San Francisco, California
Funding: $56 Million

Scientists and drug developers have been trying to find a way to direct the immune system to treat diseases for a long time. Asher Bio is working to transform this complex system with its novel immunotherapy treatment that isolates only the immune cells that have the best therapeutic effect. Its best-in-class IL2 therapy is used to target cancerous cells, while its AB248 treatment is designed to attack tumors.

5. Triumvira Immunologics, Inc.

Location: Austin, Texas
Funding: $100 Million

Triumvira’s goal is to empower our body’s natural defenses to combat cancer through T-cell therapy. With an expert team of medical professionals at the helm, Triumvira has created its own exclusive T-cell treatment so that these cells can target cancer while still maintaining the T-cell’s essential functions. By harnessing the natural power of our T-cells, Triumvira aims to overcome current barriers to these therapy treatments.

6. Marengo Therapeutics

Location: Cambridge, MA
Funding: $80 Million

Marengo Therapeutics also uses state-of-the-art T-cell technology in order to protect your body from cancer. However, in addition to combatting this awful disease, its goal is to completely eradicate it from the body once your cells have been treated. While T-cell research has come a long way in the last few years, Marengo is committed to creating durable immune systems that are protected for life.

7. Inimmune

Location: Missoula, Montana
Funding: $22.6 Million

Inimmune is a startup that knows if we want to find a cure for cancer, we can’t do it alone. They’ve partnered with an expert team of immunologists, chemists, and formulation scientists to create new, lasting immunotherapies. While its research is mainly aimed at treating cancer patients, its therapy offerings will also help treat allergies, upper respiratory infections, and other autoimmune disorders.

8. Catamaran Bio

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Funding: $42 Million

Like Antivira, Catamaran Bio is also using NK cell therapy to target cancer in the body. Its patented Tailwind platform incorporates a robust technology suite with medical research in order to develop incredibly potent immunotherapies. It’s clear that this immuno-oncology pioneer is one worth watching as they develop.

9. SpyBiotech

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Funding: $41.6 Million

Across the pond, SpyBiotech is utilizing a unique superglue protein technology in order to develop vaccines that fight multiple diseases, including cancer. Aptly named the “SpyCatcher/SpyTag” technology, this startup’s solution is one that sticks. This viral technology is designed to “glue” antigens to disease particles in the body so your immune system can better identify and fight them.

Recommended: Check out our full list of the top startups to watch in 2023!

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The TRUiC Team

TRUiC’s team of researchers, writers, and editors dedicate hours to ensure startupsavant.com’s articles are actionable and accessible for both startup founders and startup enthusiasts. From launching a startup to growing your venture, you can trust that our information is an up-to-date and reliable source.