Startups 

True targeted therapies for solid tumors

Lumox is innovating cancer therapy with its nanobody-targeted photodynamic therapy (nanobody-tPDT) platform. Unlike current targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which indiscriminately bind to targets expressed on both cancerous and healthy cells, our approach offers selective tumor elimination. These conventional therapies are limited by side effects and maximum tolerated doses, often falling short of their potential efficacy. Lumox’s nanobody-tPDT overcomes these limitations by providing two levels of selectivity: targeting cancer-specific markers with nanobodies and activating the therapeutic agent only with localized harmless light. 

The platform combines two proven technologies. First, nanobodies—small antibody fragments—bind specifically to cancer cell markers, offering high targeting precision. Second, a light-activatable drug, also called photosensitizer, attached to the nanobody is activated only when exposed to harmless near-infrared light that is applied directly to the tumor site. This dual selectivity ensures that the therapy spares healthy cells, enabling higher therapeutic doses with minimal side effects. 

Our platform technology is versatile, adaptable to multiple cancer types, and applicable to any solid tumor that (over)expresses a target and is accessible to light. While our lead program focuses on EGFR-targeting nanobody-tPDT for head and neck cancer—a devastating disease with limited treatment options—we envision broad applicability. By swapping the nanobody component, we can rapidly expand the pipeline to target other solid tumors, offering a scalable, next-generation solution for oncology. 

Preclinical studies demonstrate the strong efficacy of nanobody-tPDT, with proof-of-concept established in head and neck, breast, and colon cancer. Remarkably, a single treatment session led to tumor eradication in the majority of cases. We are now advancing our platform with veterinary applications in cats with oral carcinoma, showing promising antitumor effects without side effects. 

Lumox’s platform leverages two levels of selectivity—nanobody targeting and localized light activation—innovating precision cancer therapy. By combining safety and efficacy, we aim to transform the treatment landscape for solid tumors.

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