Oncology R&D trends and breakthrough innovations
In this report and the article below, we surface the most promising early-stage research and assets from academic groups and biotech companies focused on addressing eye health and vision.
The trends and breakthroughs featuring in the report come from analyzing the engagement of industry R&D, S&E, and innovation teams using our online partnering platform to identify new opportunities for their pipelines.
Through this report and our platform, our aim is provide access to the most-promising, exclusive, and previously unsurfaced research and assets, helping accelerate the development of new interventions alleviating the burden of eye disease and vision loss globally.
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Key R&D challenges for oncology
More resources are being channeled into the research and development of new cancer treatments than ever before. This growth runs parallel to the increasing incidence of cancer, which is predicted to rise globally by up to 75% by 2050. In 2023, more than 2,000 clinical trials started for new cancer therapeutics, and 25 oncological novel active substances were launched on the market, bringing the total to 192 since 2014.
While R&D transitions away from traditional chemotherapy, approaches such as immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and precision medicine are increasing in prevalence, alongside the use of AI. Despite promising advances, many clinical trials for cancer still fail, with an average approval rate of only 3.3% as of 2019. However, oncology R&D is making meaningful and significant progress, improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes worldwide.
Challenge #1
Intense competition
The oncology R&D market is highly competitive, dominated by major players who produced 31 of 35 blockbuster treatments in 2020. Smaller firms face challenges such as securing funding, differentiating their offerings, and recruiting trial participants due to high competition. The preference for alliances over acquisitions in such a large market complicates independent development. Advanced technologies and digital strategies are crucial to remain agile while balancing innovation speed with regulatory demands.
Challenge #2
Complexities of solid tumors
Solid tumors present significant challenges in oncology R&D due to their complex biology, resistance mechanisms, and barriers such as dense tissue and hostile microenvironments, which hinder drug penetration. Innovative delivery systems, precise targeting, and personalized medicine are essential to effectively treat solid tumors but these methods are still developing. The heterogeneity within tumors and across patients further complicates treatment, making universally effective therapies difficult to achieve.
Challenge #3
Cancer heterogeneity
Cancer heterogeneity, the variation within tumors and between patients, complicates oncology R&D by hindering the development of universal therapies This variation occurs at multiple levels, evolves over time, and may lead to drug resistance. It challenges personalized treatments, requiring constant adaptation and biomarker identification. Technologies such as circulating tumor DNA analysis offer promise for early diagnosis, improving precision therapies and patient outcomes.
Oncology projects and assets
Review a sample of the six highest performing oncology projects and assets hosted on our online partnering platform.
To read the full summary article for each technology, asset or project, and to connect with the team developing them, you will need to join our online partnering platform.
1. Anti-TIGIT Human Antibody Leads for Cancer Immunotherapy
It is possible for cancer cells to evade the immune system by exploiting the TIGIT receptor on T-cells, inhibiting their ability to defend against tumors. Many cancers overexpress CD155, a protein that binds to TIGIT and reduces immune response. Inhibiting this CD155/TIGIT interaction provides a potential avenue for improving cancer treatment outcomes by restoring the immune system's effectiveness.
At Bio-Rad , researchers have utilized Bio-Rad's Pioneer™ Antibody Discovery Platform to create ten diverse monoclonal antibodies, which demonstrate high sequence diversity and potent inhibition of TIGIT/CD155 interaction. Preclinical trials have shown positive results and the team is seeking out-licensing opportunities to help further develop cancer therapies.
2. A First-in-class Innate Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI)- ASD141- for Treating Immuno-oncology (IO) Resistant Cancer Patients and Immunological Disorders
Some cancers prove difficult to treat as they bind to TLT-1, a protein released by activated platelets that suppresses immune responses. As this interaction contributes to tumor growth and resistance, blocking this pathway provides a potential approach to treating challenging cancers.
Researchers at Ascendo Biotechnology have developed ASD141, a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes TLT-1, disrupting the tumor's suppressive mechanisms. Preclinical results demonstrate enhanced survival and tumor inhibition when ASD141 is combined with existing therapies. Their approach has potential to expand therapeutic options for resistant solid tumors, and the team is seeking collaborators for co-development and investment.
3. CycloVector™ – Cyclodextrin Vectors for the Effective Delivery of RNA Therapeutics
RNAi has potential in cancer treatment through silencing disease-causing genes. It targets specific mRNA to block protein production and subsequently address mutations and pathways driving tumor growth. Despite its potential, challenges like effective delivery and safety concerns have resulted in limited clinical success, demonstrating the need for new solutions.
At University College Cork, researchers have developed the CycloVector system, which delivers siRNA safely and precisely to tumors. Their non-viral platform demonstrates efficacy in cancers like prostate cancer and acute myeloid leukemia, with minimal toxicity. By silencing oncogenes and modifying tumor microenvironments, RNAi therapies can enhance existing treatments and provide targeted options for hard-to-treat cancers, with applications across precision oncology. The team are seeking a partner for co-development and licensing. have identified a novel, non-toxic therapeutic approach targeting a long non-coding RNA that inhibits angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy and related ocular diseases. This non-surgical solution is more effective and stable than current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, offering long-term relief by reversing pathological progression. The team is seeking licensing, collaborations, and partnerships.
5. Innovative pH-selective Antibody Engineering for Cancer Therapy
Traditional antibody-based cancer treatments risk off-target effects by attacking antigens on healthy cells. However, as the tumor microenvironment is acidic, this presents an opportunity for the development of antibodies with heightened tumor specificity through pH-dependent binding interactions.
At the University of Texas at Austin, scientists have developed an antibody that binds to CD16 in tumors in an acidic environment typical of tumors (pH 6.5), but has weaker affinity at normal pH (7.4). Their approach improves tumor specificity and reduces adverse effects by avoiding healthy cells. Their method could significantly enhance precision oncology and the team is seeking a partner for co-development and commercialization.
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