At a Glance
- Company: Theolytics
- Location: Oxford, UK
- Deal value: €8 million Horizon Europe grant
- Focus area: THEO-260 oncolytic virus for ovarian cancer
- Next steps: OCTOPOD-IV phase 2 dose expansion
What happened?
Theolytics received an €8 million Horizon Europe grant on 4 March 2026 to advance its phase 2 expansion trial of THEO-260, an oncolytic immunotherapy, in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The funding supports the ongoing OCTOPOD-IV study evaluating intravenous delivery in patients with high-grade serous or endometrioid ovarian cancer.
Why does it matter?
Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer has <12-month median survival with limited options; THEO-260 targets cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts while inducing immune activation in stroma-rich tumours. Non-dilutive grant validates differentiated mechanism and accelerates path to registrational data.
Who’s behind it?
Theolytics develops oncolytic viruses; collaborators include Institute of Cancer Research London, Clínica Universidad de Navarra. CMO Matilde Saggese leads clinical execution.
How was it achieved?
THEO-260 selectively kills ovarian cancer cells/CAFs and triggers T-cell responses; phase 1/2a OCTOPOD-IV assesses safety, recommended phase 2 dose and CAF-lytic activity via biomarkers. Grant follows competitive review of translational design.
What’s next?
Expand international sites (UK, Spain, Canada); US OCTOPOD-IP intraperitoneal trial at MD Anderson. Translational data readout supports phase 2b design.
What are people saying?
Prof Alan Melcher: “Differentiated… stroma targeting… new treatment option.” Dr Antonio González: “Hopeful THEO-260… improves lives.”