The VC-backed microrobotics startup Bionaut Labs has entered into a strategic collaboration with Candel Therapeutics.
Candel (NSDQ:CADL) — a biopharma focused on oncolytic viral immunotherapies — will explore the use of Bionaut Labs’ miniature remote-controlled robots. Could the robots help deliver Candel’s oncolytic viral immunotherapy agents to certain brain tumors?
Founded in 2016, Bionaut Labs has focused on developing new modalities for treating central nervous system disorders since its inception.
Now, Bionaut will work with Candel to further the preclinical development of a micro-robotic system that can deliver oncolytic viruses directly to brain tumors, including high-grade gliomas.
“Bionaut designed its platform to provide accurate and safe access to hard-to-reach locations in the CNS,” said Michael Shpigelmacher, Bionaut Labs’ CEO.
Executives at Bionaut were impressed with Candel’s presence in the field of oncolytic viral immunotherapy for treatment of a variety of cancers, in particular glioblastoma multiforme. “Together with Candel, we hope to deliver a unique one-two punch, by providing the required precision on both the anatomical and biochemical level, to advance the treatment for more patients suffering from brain cancers and avoid invasive treatment procedures,” Shpigelmacher said. “Candel’s promising clinical data makes it stand out as an excellent partner for Bionaut Labs.”
Both firms will retain rights to their platforms and the right to pursue future collaboration.
“The research we plan to jointly undertake validates our approach and will enable advancement of our technology as we continue our mission of helping patients suffering from debilitating brain diseases who lack effective treatments,” Bionaut Labs CEO, Michael Shpigelmacher said in a press release.
The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement.