ONCOLYTIC VIRUS THERAPY MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Challenges And Opportunities

Oncolytic Virus Therapy Market Drivers:

• Advancements in Viral Engineering: Advancements in viral engineering are allowing for more precise and targeted oncolytic virus therapies, which is significantly contributing to the growth of the global oncolytic virus therapy market. Scientists are learning to genetically modify viruses to better detect and destroy cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissue. This allows the viruses to spread within the tumor and induce cancer cell death more effectively. For example, researchers have modified the herpes simplex virus to insert genetic sequences that program the virus to selectively replicate inside cancers. In preclinical research, this modified herpes virus showed highly targeted cytotoxicity against various cancers, like melanoma, without toxic effects in normal cells.
• Increasing Understanding of Cancer Biology: Oncolytic virus therapy takes advantage of the unique characteristics of cancer cells, such as their susceptibility to viral infection and impaired antiviral responses. The growing knowledge of cancer biology has facilitated the development of oncolytic virus therapies that can selectively target and destroy cancer cells while sparing normal healthy cells.
• Successful Clinical Trial Results: Positive results from clinical trials have generated excitement and momentum in the oncolytic virus therapy field. Promising outcomes, including tumor regression and increased survival rates, have been observed in patients treated with oncolytic viruses. These encouraging clinical trial results have contributed to the growing interest and investment in this therapeutic approach. For instance, in April 2022, Mustang Bio, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced its plan to initiate a Phase I clinical trial combining CAR T cells and oncolytic virus for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM), supported by interim data from two ongoing investigator-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trials evaluating two clinical candidates, MB-108 (C134 oncolytic virus) and MB‐101 (City of Hope’ s IL13Rα2‐targeted CAR T cell therapy). Preclinical data also presented supports the safety of administering these two therapies sequentially in a regimen designated as MB-109. The data are from a late-breaking poster at the American Association for Cancer Research (“AACR”) Annual Meeting 2022.
• Need for Innovative Cancer Treatments: There is a significant unmet need for effective and targeted cancer treatments. Conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation can have limitations and adverse side effects. Oncolytic virus therapy offers a novel and potentially more targeted approach to cancer treatment, addressing the need for innovative and personalized therapies.

Oncolytic Virus Therapy Market Restraints:

• High Cost Associated with Treatment: The high costs associated with oncolytic virus therapy treatment are a major factor restraining the growth of the global oncolytic virus therapy market. Developing oncolytic virus therapies requires extensive research and clinical trials over many years, which makes it an extremely expensive process. A major portion of the development costs comes from conducting different phases of clinical trials to test the efficacy and safety of these virus therapies in human patients. Clinical trials are often long drawn processes that can span 5-10 years and require enrolling a large number of patients. Considering the rarity of certain cancers, it becomes very difficult to find eligible patients for trials within a short time frame, further increasing costs.
• Side Effects of Treatment: The side effects of treatment pose a major challenge for the growth of the global oncolytic virus therapy market. Oncolytic virus therapy involves the use of engineered viruses to target and destroy cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. However, in some cases, the viruses can cause side effects in patients similar to chemotherapy. Common side effects reported include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches. More severe side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, have also been seen in some cases.

Oncolytic Virus Therapy Market Opportunities:

• Expansion of Indications: There is a vast potential for oncolytic virus therapy to be explored in various cancer types and indications. As research and clinical trials progress, there are opportunities to expand the use of oncolytic viruses beyond the current indications and explore their efficacy in different cancer subtypes and stages.
• Combination Therapies: Oncolytic virus therapy can be combined with other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies to enhance treatment outcomes. The synergistic effects of combining oncolytic viruses with other therapies have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies. Exploring and optimizing combination therapies can lead to improved patient responses and better treatment outcomes.
• Personalized Medicine: Oncolytic virus therapy has the potential to be tailored to individual patients based on their specific cancer characteristics. The ability to customize the oncolytic viruses to target specific genetic alterations or biomarkers in tumors can enhance treatment efficacy and minimize off-target effects. Personalized medicine approaches offer opportunities for more precise and effective cancer treatment.
• Development of Next-Generation Viruses: Advancements in viral engineering and genetic modification techniques present opportunities to develop next-generation oncolytic viruses with improved tumor specificity, enhanced replication, and increased safety profiles. Ongoing research and development can lead to the discovery and optimization of new viral platforms with enhanced therapeutic potential. For instance, according to data published by the University of Houston, a public research university in July 2022, the development of oncolytic virus therapy is carried out in the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling Department at the  University of Houston, U.S. The department has also received the funding of US$1.8 million from the National Institutes of Health.

Oncolytic Virus Therapy Market Trends:

• Advancements in Virotherapy Platforms: Advancements in virotherapy platforms are having a significant influence on the global oncolytic virus therapy market. Researchers are developing newer platforms that can more effectively deliver engineered viruses to tumor cells while avoiding healthy tissues. Certain novel platforms enable the precise delivery of oncolytic viruses by combining them with ligands that bind to receptors that are overexpressed in cancerous cells. This enhances the specificity and efficacy of virus therapy. Others are engineering viral particles with enhanced transduction abilities, enabling them to more easily enter tumor cells. For example, certain viruses are now being equipped with mutations that help them evade detection by the immune system, allowing them to replicate for longer within the body. Some groups are also working on multimodal platforms where oncolytic viruses can be combined with immunotherapy or chemotherapeutics to produce enhanced anti-tumor responses. The development of armed oncolytic viruses that can locally produce therapeutic proteins is another area witnessing innovations.
• Targeted Delivery Systems: Efforts are being made to develop targeted delivery systems for oncolytic viruses. These systems aim to enhance tumor-specific targeting and reduce off-target effects. Strategies include incorporating specific ligands or antibodies on the viral surface to improve tumor cell recognition and uptake.
• Immune Modulation Strategies: Immune modulation is an important aspect of oncolytic virus therapy. Researchers are focusing on strategies to enhance the immune response, including combining oncolytic viruses with immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, and other immunomodulatory agents. The aim is to create a more favorable tumor microenvironment and improve overall treatment outcomes.
• Manufacturing and Commercialization Challenges: The manufacturing and commercialization of oncolytic virus therapies present unique challenges. Developing scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes while adhering to regulatory requirements is a significant trend. Companies are also focusing on establishing partnerships and collaborations to facilitate the commercialization and distribution of oncolytic virus therapies.