Immune-Onc Therapeutics

Immune-Onc Therapeutics is a private, clinical-stage biotech company pioneering a new class of immunotherapies targeting myeloid cell inhibitory receptors. Founded in 2016 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company is advancing a pipeline of first-in-class antibodies, with its lead asset IO-202 in Phase 1b expansion for blood cancers like AML and CMML. Immune-Onc's strategy is built on the premise that modulating myeloid cells, a key component of the innate immune system, can unlock therapeutic benefits for patients unresponsive to existing checkpoint inhibitors, addressing significant unmet needs in both oncology and autoimmunity.

Platform focused on targeting myeloid cell surface proteins, particularly the LILRB family (e.g., LILRB4, LILRB2, LAIR1) of immune inhibitory receptors. Develops monoclonal antibodies that either modulate (block) inhibitory signals to activate immune response or deplete specific pathogenic/malignant myeloid cells via ADCC/ADCP.

The myeloid checkpoint space is emerging and competitive, with several biotech and large pharma companies exploring targets like SIRPα, CD47, and other LILRB family members. Immune-Onc appears to be a leader specifically in targeting LILRB4 with IO-202. Success will depend on demonstrating superior clinical efficacy, safety, or differentiation compared to other myeloid-directed approaches.