EGFR + TNF
Targeting treatment-induced TNF survival signaling in lung cancer and glioblastoma models.
PRECLINICAL ONCOLOGY
Targeting cancer’s
capacity to adapt.
Developing EGFR combination approaches that target adaptive resistance in lung cancer and glioblastoma.
Research grounded in published preclinical evidence
OUR SCIENCE
Understanding the cells
that survive treatment.
EGFR inhibitors block signals that help certain tumors grow. In experimental models, tumor cells can activate other pathways that help them survive treatment.
Our preclinical portfolio pairs EGFR inhibition with targeting of TNF, NRF2 or type I interferon signaling. Each program addresses a distinct adaptive response, with the goal of identifying combinations that add activity beyond either component alone.
EGFR + NRF2
Investigating antioxidant defenses that can protect glioma cells during EGFR inhibition.
EGFR + Interferon
Exploring blockade of type I interferon signaling that can help lung cancer cells survive EGFR inhibition.
OUR PIPELINE
A focused path forward.
Preclinical programs across TNF, NRF2 and type I interferon pathways.
Each program has its own biological and exposure requirements.
01 LEAD PROGRAMEGFR-mutant NSCLC Osimertinib with a selected TNF-directed agent Preclinical
The clinical challenge
Advanced EGFR-mutant lung cancer can develop acquired resistance after an initial response to EGFR-targeted treatment.
Our development focus
Select an exposure-feasible combination in models with an inducible TNF response, then establish whether the partner adds durable activity to osimertinib.
02 SELECTED EXPANSIONEGFR wild-type NSCLC Biological selection for combined EGFR/TNF inhibition Exploratory
The clinical challenge
EGFR inhibition alone generally has limited benefit in EGFR wild-type disease. Other actionable drivers can guide treatment in this diverse population.
Our development focus
Investigate a biologically selected subset and an appropriate EGFR backbone. Published cell-line and animal studies support further research in this setting.
03 PARALLEL PROGRAMRecurrent glioblastoma EGFR/TNF-directed combinations in resistant GBM Preclinical
The clinical challenge
Glioblastoma is an aggressive primary brain cancer. Resistance to temozolomide can limit treatment at recurrence.
Our development focus
Evaluate combinations in EGFR-expressing, temozolomide-resistant models, with particular attention to adequate drug exposure in the brain and tumor.
04 GLIOMA PROGRAMEGFR + NRF2 Combined EGFR and NRF2 inhibition in malignant glioma Preclinical
The biological rationale
EGFR inhibition can induce NRF2-controlled antioxidant genes in glioma models. This response can protect tumor cells from treatment-related oxidative stress.
Our development focus
Investigate combined EGFR and NRF2 inhibition in malignant glioma, including glioblastoma, with attention to pathway activity and adequate drug exposure in the brain and tumor.
View the NRF2 patent publication05 LUNG CANCER PROGRAMEGFR + Interferon Combined EGFR and type I interferon pathway inhibition Preclinical
The biological rationale
In lung cancer models, EGFR inhibition can activate type I interferon signaling that supports tumor-cell survival. This provides another target for addressing adaptive resistance.
Our development focus
Investigate EGFR inhibition with blockade of type I interferon signaling in biologically selected lung cancer models, including EGFR-mutant and wild-type settings.
Read the interferon studyNSCLC = non-small cell lung cancer. GBM = glioblastoma. NRF2 regulates cellular antioxidant responses. All programs are in preclinical development.
PATENT PORTFOLIO
Oncora’s patent portfolio includes combination approaches involving EGFR with TNF, NRF2 and type I interferon signaling.
THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Published science.
Product-specific questions.
Published preclinical studies and patent disclosures inform our programs. Our development work focuses on the selected regimen, tumor context and evidence needed to advance each combination.
GONG ET AL. · JCI · 2018TNF-driven adaptation and resistance to EGFR inhibition in lung cancer
GUO ET AL. · NEURO-ONCOLOGY · 2019EGFR/TNF-directed combinations in intracranial glioblastoma models
GONG ET AL. · NATURE CANCER · 2020Type I interferon signaling and adaptive resistance to EGFR inhibition in lung cancer
PATENT PUBLICATION · 2023Combined EGFR and NRF2 inhibition in malignant glioma
IBUSUKI ET AL. · NPJ PRECISION ONCOLOGY · 2024Independent osimertinib/TNF-inhibition evidence in a defined EGFR/TP53 context
OUR TEAM
Scientific direction.
Development experience.
Bringing together translational research, preclinical development and company-building experience.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mikhael VitensonJD
Leads company strategy, business development and prospective partnerships.
CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER
Ariel VitenzonPhD
Provides scientific direction and expertise in preclinical drug development.
LEAD SCIENTIST
Hossein SendiMD, PhD
Directs the experimental strategy and integration of mechanistic and treatment-response findings.
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA
Oncora’s affiliation with MuriPhys provides access to an established laboratory and animal-research environment in the Research Triangle. Oncora and MuriPhys are separate affiliated companies.
DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS
Advancing the
science, together.
We seek pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners to help advance our combination-treatment programs.
Our goal is a reproducible package of regimen-specific activity, exposure and pathway evidence that supports the next development decision.
We welcome discussions with organizations that bring EGFR assets, complementary TNF, NRF2 or interferon-pathway approaches, oncology development capabilities or CNS drug-development expertise.
Discuss a partnershipCONTACT US
Let’s start a conversation.
Tell us about your interest in Oncora. We welcome development partnerships, research collaborations and company inquiries.