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Understanding Immuno-Oncology and Its Role in Cancer Treatment
Immuno-oncology has emerged as a leading approach in cancer treatment, leveraging the body's immune system to detect, target, and eliminate cancer cells more effectively. Unlike chemotherapy and radiation, which directly attack tumors, immunotherapy works by enhancing the immune system’s ability to recognize and fight cancer.
The field has introduced several groundbreaking treatment modalities:
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors – These drugs block proteins like PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, which cancer cells use to evade the immune system. By "releasing the brakes" on immune cells, checkpoint inhibitors help the body mount a stronger attack against tumors.
- CAR-T Cell Therapy – A highly personalized treatment where a patient’s T cells are genetically modified to recognize and attack cancer cells. CAR-T therapies have been particularly successful in treating blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma.
- Cancer Vaccines – These work by training the immune system to detect cancer-specific antigens, strengthening immune memory and response to tumors.
As more research is conducted, combination immunotherapies—integrating multiple treatment strategies—are showing higher response rates and improved patient outcomes.
The Growth of Immuno-Oncology in 2025
The global immuno-oncology market is projected to reach $106.92 billion in 2025, with a 13% annual growth rate. This expansion is fueled by:
- Increased investment from cancer biotech companies and pharmaceutical firms.
- Rising cancer incidence, leading to greater demand for targeted therapies.
- Advancements in genomics and AI-driven drug discovery, helping researchers develop more effective personalized treatments.
With immunotherapy becoming a standard approach in oncology, many oncology pharmaceutical companies are actively developing next-generation cancer treatments that promise better efficacy and fewer side effects than traditional therapies.
Top 30 Immuno-Oncology Companies in the U.S.
Dragonfly Therapeutics, headquartered in Massachusetts, is a cancer research company specializing in natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies. Unlike traditional T cell therapies, which have been the backbone of immunotherapy, NK cells offer a unique advantage by targeting a broader range of tumors without requiring genetic modifications. The company’s TriNKET™ (Tri-specific NK Engager Therapy) platform enhances the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Dragonfly has strategic collaborations with Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb, making it a key player in developing NK cell therapies.
Iovance Biotherapeutics, based in San Carlos, California, is a leader in tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, a promising approach in solid tumor immunotherapy. TIL therapy differs from CAR-T cell therapy in that it uses naturally occurring immune cells already present within tumors, enhancing their cancer-fighting ability. The company’s lead therapy, Lifileucel, is currently in late-stage clinical trials for metastatic melanoma and cervical cancer. Iovance is also expanding its research into lung and head & neck cancers, making it a strong contender in the oncology biotech companies space.
Verastem Oncology, headquartered in Massachusetts, focuses on targeted therapies for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Its lead drug, COPIKTRA (duvelisib), is an FDA-approved PI3K inhibitor that disrupts signaling pathways responsible for cancer cell survival. Verastem is also advancing RAF/MEK inhibitors, which have shown strong clinical responses in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and ovarian cancer. This positions the company among the leading cancer treatment companies focusing on combination therapies.
Gritstone bio, based in California, is a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing neoantigen-based cancer vaccines. By using AI-powered genomic sequencing, Gritstone can predict unique tumor mutations and design personalized vaccines that train the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Its flagship program, GRANITE, has demonstrated strong immune responses in patients with colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancers—cancers that traditionally have low response rates to immunotherapy.
Pieris Pharmaceuticals, based in Massachusetts, is pioneering Anticalin-based immunotherapies. Anticalins are engineered proteins that function similarly to monoclonal antibodies but are smaller, more stable, and capable of targeting multiple immune pathways. Pieris is developing immune checkpoint inhibitors that target the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, helping patients with lung and head & neck cancers who do not respond to first-line immunotherapy treatments. The company collaborates with major biomedical engineering companies cancer researchers rely on to advance its drug pipeline.
Alaunos Therapeutics, headquartered in Texas, focuses on TCR-T cell therapy, a specialized form of immunotherapy that enhances the immune system’s ability to detect solid tumors. Unlike CAR-T cell therapy, which is more effective for blood cancers, TCR-T therapy is specifically designed for lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Alaunos' therapies target neoantigens, unique mutations found only in cancer cells, making their approach highly precise and personalized.
Genocea Biosciences, based in Massachusetts, uses ATLAS™ technology to map out a patient’s immune response to tumor antigens. This approach allows the company to develop personalized cancer vaccines that stimulate a strong anti-tumor response. Additionally, Genocea is studying inhibigens, immune-suppressing proteins that reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By eliminating these, the company aims to enhance T cell activation, making immunotherapy more effective in advanced-stage cancers.
ImmunityBio, a California-based cancer research company, is developing cytokine-based immunotherapies that activate both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Their lead candidate, N-803, is an IL-15 superagonist that enhances natural killer (NK) cell and T cell activation. ImmunityBio is currently conducting trials in bladder, lung, and pancreatic cancers, aiming to improve outcomes for patients who have failed standard checkpoint inhibitors.
Galectin Therapeutics, based in Georgia, focuses on developing galectin inhibitors, a class of drugs designed to modulate the tumor microenvironment. Their lead drug, Belapectin, is being tested in combination with checkpoint inhibitors to improve immune response in melanoma and head & neck cancers. By targeting galectin proteins, which suppress immune function in tumors, the company is addressing a key challenge in checkpoint inhibitor resistance.
Syndax Pharmaceuticals, based in Massachusetts, is working on combination immunotherapies that enhance response rates in patients who have developed immunotherapy resistance. Their lead drug, Entinostat, is an HDAC inhibitor that reactivates immune cells that tumors have suppressed. By combining Entinostat with checkpoint inhibitors, Syndax is testing new treatment regimens for triple-negative breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Allogene Therapeutics, headquartered in South San Francisco, California, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in the development of allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor T cell (AlloCAR T™) therapies for cancer treatment. Unlike autologous CAR T-cell therapies, which use a patient's own cells, Allogene's approach utilizes donor-derived T cells, enabling the production of off-the-shelf cell therapies. This strategy aims to provide more immediate and accessible treatment options for patients. The company's pipeline includes several allogeneic CAR T therapies targeting hematologic malignancies, with a focus on delivering innovative solutions to patients in need.
Based in South San Francisco, California, Asher Biotherapeutics is developing targeted immunotherapies designed to selectively modulate immune cell activity. Their proprietary cis-targeting platform enables the activation of specific immune cell types, enhancing anti-tumor responses while minimizing adverse effects. By focusing on precise immune modulation, Asher aims to improve the efficacy and safety of immunotherapies for cancer patients.
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Rubius Therapeutics is pioneering the development of Red Cell Therapeutics™ (RCTs), engineered red blood cells designed to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Their proprietary RED PLATFORM® allows for the creation of RCTs that can present various therapeutic modalities, including immune system modulation. By leveraging the natural properties of red blood cells, Rubius aims to develop treatments that are potent, selective, and well-tolerated.
Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Marengo Therapeutics is focused on developing therapies that enhance the body's immune response to cancer. Utilizing their proprietary Selective T Cell Activation Repertoire (STAR™) platform, Marengo aims to activate specific T cell subsets to target tumors effectively. This approach seeks to provide durable anti-tumor immunity with reduced risk of immune-related adverse events.
Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Catamaran Bio is advancing the development of off-the-shelf, allogeneic immune cell therapies for cancer. Their TAILWIND™ platform integrates synthetic biology and gene editing to engineer NK and T cell therapies designed to target solid tumors. By focusing on scalable and effective cell therapy solutions, Catamaran aims to broaden the accessibility of advanced immunotherapies.
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Obsidian Therapeutics is developing next-generation engineered cell and gene therapies with controllable activity. Their cytoDRiVE® platform enables precise regulation of protein expression within therapeutic cells, allowing for controlled activation of immune responses against cancer. This technology aims to enhance the safety and efficacy of cell therapies by providing tunable control over therapeutic functions.
Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Odyssey Therapeutics is focused on discovering and developing novel immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. By integrating insights from immunology and oncology, Odyssey aims to identify new therapeutic targets and develop treatments that can modulate the immune system to combat cancer effectively.
Based in San Carlos, California, Apexigen is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing antibody therapeutics for cancer treatment. Their pipeline includes APX005M (sotigalimab), a CD40 agonist antibody designed to activate antigen-presenting cells and enhance T cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. By stimulating the immune system's natural defenses, Apexigen aims to improve responses to existing cancer therapies.
Located in San Diego, California, Artiva Biotherapeutics is focused on developing and commercializing off-the-shelf natural killer (NK) cell therapies for cancer. Their platform leverages proprietary manufacturing processes to produce highly active NK cells at scale, aiming to provide effective and accessible immunotherapy options for patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
Headquartered in San Diego, California, Fate Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cellular immunotherapies for cancer and immune disorders. Their pipeline includes off-the-shelf NK and T cell product candidates derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). By utilizing a renewable cell source, Fate aims to deliver consistent and scalable cell therapies to patients in need.
ALX Oncology, headquartered in Burlingame, California, is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on developing therapies that block the CD47 checkpoint pathway. Their lead candidate, Evorpacept, is designed to enhance the body's immune response against tumors by inhibiting the "don't eat me" signal used by cancer cells to evade macrophage-mediated destruction. By targeting this pathway, ALX Oncology aims to improve the efficacy of existing cancer treatments across various malignancies.
Based in Palo Alto, California, Filtricine is pioneering a novel approach to cancer treatment through Targeted Nutrient Deprivation (TND) therapy. This strategy involves restricting specific nutrients essential for cancer cell survival, thereby inhibiting tumor growth without harming normal cells. Filtricine's research focuses on identifying and eliminating these critical nutrients from the patient's diet or bloodstream, offering a unique metabolic intervention in cancer therapy.
OncoMyx Therapeutics, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is developing oncolytic immunotherapies based on the myxoma virus. Unlike other oncolytic viruses, the myxoma virus is non-pathogenic in humans and has a natural ability to selectively infect and kill cancer cells while stimulating an anti-tumor immune response. OncoMyx is engineering multi-armed myxoma virotherapies to treat a broad range of cancers, aiming to provide a versatile platform for oncolytic virus therapy.
Headquartered in South San Francisco, California, ArsenalBio is a precision immunotherapy company focused on developing next-generation, programmable T cell therapies for solid tumors. Utilizing advanced gene-editing technologies, ArsenalBio engineers T cells with enhanced functionalities to overcome the suppressive tumor microenvironment, aiming to improve the efficacy and safety of cell-based cancer treatments.
Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Pyxis Oncology is dedicated to developing a diversified portfolio of next-generation therapeutics to target difficult-to-treat cancers. Their approach includes antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and immuno-oncology therapies designed to directly kill tumor cells and modulate the tumor microenvironment, thereby enhancing anti-tumor immunity.
Arch Oncology, located in Brisbane, California, is advancing a pipeline of antibody therapies that target the CD47-SIRPα pathway, a critical immune checkpoint in cancer. Their lead candidate, AO-176, is a novel anti-CD47 antibody designed to selectively bind to tumor cells and induce phagocytosis without affecting normal cells. This selective targeting aims to minimize potential side effects and improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
Rakuten Medical, headquartered in San Mateo, California, is focused on developing and commercializing precision-targeted cancer therapies based on their proprietary Illuminox™ platform. This technology involves conjugating a light-activatable dye to a targeting moiety, such as an antibody, which, upon activation, induces rapid and selective cancer cell death. Rakuten Medical is conducting clinical trials across various cancer types to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this innovative treatment modality.
Based in Austin, Texas, Triumvira Immunologics is developing novel T cell therapies using their proprietary TAC (T cell Antigen Coupler) technology. This platform is designed to enhance the natural function of T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells, offering a potentially safer and more effective alternative to traditional CAR-T therapies. Triumvira is advancing its pipeline to address both solid tumors and hematologic cancers.
Located in Missoula, Montana, Inimmune is at the forefront of advancing the field of immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmunity. With a focus on developing next-generation therapies, Inimmune is dedicated to harnessing the power of the immune system to combat these diseases. By leveraging innovative approaches and cutting-edge research, Inimmune aims to revolutionize treatment options and improve outcomes for patients battling cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Headquartered in Hayward, California, Arcus Biosciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies. Their pipeline includes small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and combination therapies targeting key immune checkpoints and metabolic pathways involved in tumor evasion. Arcus aims to address unmet medical needs by providing effective and durable treatment options for patients with various types of cancer.
Conclusion
The landscape of cancer treatment is undergoing a transformative shift, with immuno-oncology at the forefront of this evolution. The 30 companies highlighted across these three parts exemplify the significant advancements in immune-based cancer therapies, ranging from checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapies to cancer vaccines and oncolytic viruses. Each of these companies plays a vital role in shaping the future of cancer treatment by developing novel immunotherapies that improve efficacy, accessibility, and patient outcomes.
The immuno-oncology market is projected to surpass $100 billion in 2025, reflecting a growing demand for targeted, less toxic cancer treatments. Oncology biotech companies, immunotherapy companies, and cancer research companies are racing to develop the next generation of therapies, addressing challenges such as treatment resistance, tumor microenvironment modulation, and immune evasion.
As the field advances, collaboration between biotech firms, research institutions, and lab management platforms like Scispot will become increasingly important. By integrating data-driven insights, automation, and compliance tools, these partnerships will accelerate discoveries and streamline the transition from research to clinical applications.
Ultimately, the continued success of immuno-oncology will depend on scientific innovation, regulatory progress, and industry-wide collaboration. With personalized medicine and AI-driven drug discovery gaining momentum, the future of cancer treatment companies looks more promising than ever, offering hope for millions of patients worldwide.
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