Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men, particularly affecting those over the age of 50. It develops when the cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. The statistics in the UK alone highlight the urgency to find innovative treatments:
These figures underscore the urgent need for advanced research and differential treatments that extend and enhance the quality of life and where Stratosvir, one of o2h Ventures’ portfolio companies, is aiming to impact.
Stratosvir is leading the way in viral immunotherapy for advanced cancer, including allowing intravenous delivery and making it possible to dose multiple times. The company’s mission goes beyond extending the human lifespan; it aims to enhance the quality of life. They are on a mission to develop treatments that can lead to better outcomes, fewer side effects, and improved patient experiences.
Stratosvir is engineering third-generation viruses that offer more effectiveness than current drugs for intravenous delivery, overcoming the limitations of first- and second-generation viruses that are rapidly eliminated and require direct injection into or near the tumour.
These viruses will be safe and affordable and can be administered for targeted delivery. By developing a scalable therapeutic platform, Stratosvir will create opportunities for addressing advanced cancers beyond prostate cancer, unlocking significant market potential.
Stratosvir has taken a fresh approach to immunotherapy, focusing on addressing the gaps in current treatments using third-gen viruses. While there is competition in this space, they have identified a new approach to the existing available solutions. Their research has identified improved vectors, showing clear benefits in early lab testing. By overcoming the limitations of existing technologies, Stratosvir’s advancements have the potential for more effective and scalable treatments that can target cancers throughout the body. With the oncolytic virus market still relatively unexplored and investor confidence growing—highlighted by the recent IPO success of CG Oncology—Stratosvir is well-placed to make an impact and attract key partnerships.
Stratosvir presents a compelling investment opportunity with its blend of market potential, innovative scientific approach, and robust research foundation. Their pioneering strategy is well-positioned to expand into other cancer treatments, offering scalability and versatility. With a solid scientific basis, Stratosvir is progressing towards clear preclinical milestones to demonstrate efficacy and address delivery challenges. Effective payloads have already been identified, and the technology diminishes hurdles of chemical tractability or scalability, reinforcing readiness for advancement.
We invested in Stratosvir in 2024 from our human health SEIS fund along with Proven Connect. After strategic discussions with the founders and aligning with their vision, we decided to support their journey. We have played an active role in their fundraising efforts, leveraging our strategic contacts and guiding various aspects of their business. As part of their board, we stay deeply involved in their progress, offering business acumen and insights.
Watch the Pitch Hear from Chris Ullman, CEO of Stratosvir, as he presents at our o2h chaitime portfolio pitch day, showcasing their pioneering approach to transforming prostate cancer treatment.
The company has successfully achieved platform proof of principle and filed intellectual property, securing a strong foundation for its innovative approach. Supported by two Innovate UK grants, Stratosvir will be advancing through rigorous preclinical testing to validate its approach.
Key partnerships include seed-stage funding from Proven Connect (the translational arm of Prostate Cancer Research) and strategic guidance from synergies with Cancer Research Horizons and Deep Science Ventures. All these strategic partnerships will accelerate progress and provide critical support in advancing prostate cancer treatment.
Stratosvir is focused on developing models to treat advanced prostate cancer to prepare them for preclinical safety and toxicity studies. The company is working to gather critical data that will support future clinical rounds of funding. This progress will be key to advancing their technology and bringing innovative treatments closer to clinical application.
The o2h human health SEIS fund – Open Now!
Through the o2h human health SEIS fund, we have supported several innovative portfolio companies developing treatments in human health for life-threatening conditions such as Cancer, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Hearing Loss, etc. To date, we have invested in over 35 biotech companies, many of which have shown significant progress since our early-stage investment.
We are committed to supporting these companies at the earliest stages of their journey. Our SEIS fund is currently open for applications. For more details, feel free to reach out at invest@o2h.com.
