On October 2, 2026 Saros Therapeutics, a company in Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science’s (RFU) Helix 51 biomedical incubator, reported it has received its second National Cancer Institute (NCI) Phase II award of approximately $2 million to advance a potential new cancer immunotherapy.
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The two-year award marks another step in the development of the company’s nanoparticle technology. Earlier this year, research involving Saros’ SMP nanoparticle system was published in Science. The new NCI funding will support studies needed to move the company’s experimental therapy toward an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and potential clinical testing in people.
Saros is developing a treatment designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancers that can evade the body’s natural defenses. Their new technology uses tiny particles to carry therapeutic compounds to immune cells, where they are intended to activate a natural immune response against tumors.
The approach works through a part of the immune system known as the STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) pathway, a major part of the body’s natural immune defense system. Scientists study the STING pathway because activating it can prompt the immune system to target and eliminate cancerous tumors.
"This major recognition by NCI of the Saros novel delivery system for metastatic cancer is truly exciting," said Janice Urban, PhD., RFU interim executive vice president for research. "We look forward to their progress towards an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and advancing new therapy to benefit cancer patients."
Saros joined RFU’s Helix 51 biomedical incubator earlier this year. Designed for start-ups and early-stage bioscience companies, Helix 51 provides laboratory, office and collaborative space where companies can develop their science and grow within Lake County’s life sciences community.
With the new NCI funding, Saros plans to expand its presence in RFU’s Innovation and Research Park, increasing its research activities and space.
"Saros is advancing a next-generation immunotherapy platform designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancers that do not respond well to today’s checkpoint inhibitors," said Saros CEO Matt Britz. "Our formulation is designed to enhance immune activation, protect the drug in circulation, improve delivery into relevant immune cells, and enable intravenous administration for system treatment of metastatic disease."
The company is working toward its first IND application as a step toward human clinical trials.
(Press release, Saros Therapeutics, OCT 2, 2026, View Source [SID1234671250])