Oniria Therapeutics

Oniria Therapeutics is an early-stage biotech spin-off from VHIO, UB, and ICREA, pioneering a novel strategy in oncology by modulating cancer cell dormancy. Its lead program, ONR-001, is a first-in-class molecule designed to allosterically activate the epigenetic enzyme TET2, forcing tumor cells into dormancy or death. The company is pre-clinical and pre-revenue, backed by significant non-dilutive public grants from Spanish and EU entities. Its mission is to address the critical unmet need of cancer persistence and recurrence following initial treatment.

Platform focused on modulating cancer cell dormancy by targeting associated vulnerabilities. Core technology involves allosteric activation of the epigenetic master enzyme TET2 to force dormant cells into terminal differentiation or death.

The field of targeting dormant or persistent cancer cells is emerging but growing, with academic groups and some biotefts exploring mechanisms like autophagy inhibition, survival pathway blockade, and immune-mediated clearance. Oniria's specific focus on TET2 activation appears unique, but it will face future competition from larger players as the biology becomes better understood.