Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas

Ypsilon Therapeutics develops T cell receptor mimics(TCRm) against validated tumor antigens.

Marker Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in Houston, Texas, that focuses on developing and commercializing T cell-based immunotherapies and peptide-based vaccines for hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The company’s MultiTAA technology enhances the effectiveness of non-engineered tumor-specific T cells, enabling them to target multiple tumor-associated antigens simultaneously. This approach aims to prevent immune escape and foster durable immunity. Marker Therapeutics offers autologous T cell therapies for conditions such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma, while also developing allogeneic T cell therapies for acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Additionally, the company is advancing peptide-based vaccines, including TPIV100/110 and TPIV200, which are currently in Phase II clinical trials for treating breast and ovarian cancers, respectively.

Eisbach Bio is a biotechnology company established in 2019 and located in Martinsried, Bavaria. The company specializes in developing innovative drugs that target molecular vulnerabilities in cancer genomes, focusing particularly on chromatin regulatory mechanisms. By utilizing screening and cellular platforms, Eisbach Bio aims to create first-in-class inhibitors that directly address the key vulnerabilities present in genetically defined tumors. This approach enables healthcare professionals to tackle unmet clinical needs in cancer treatment and supports the advancement of new therapies aimed at stopping tumor growth.

Barricade Therapeutics is a private biotech firm headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. It specializes in developing innovative cancer therapies by targeting mutated genes using novel first-in-class small molecules. The company integrates complex molecule synthesis, chemistry, and molecular pharmacology to advance its therapeutic approaches, aiming to enhance patient care through improved treatments.

Prana Thoracic, Inc., based in Houston, is a medical device startup focused on developing innovative solutions for the early intervention of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The company aims to address the critical challenges in lung cancer screening and diagnosis, where only a small percentage of cases are detected at an early stage. Prana Thoracic's advanced electrosurgical instrument utilizes bipolar radiofrequency energy to perform minimally invasive procedures, enabling physicians to capture and diagnose small, hard-to-reach lung nodules while reducing the risk of complications. By enhancing the tools available for surgical oncology in lung cancer, Prana Thoracic seeks to improve patient outcomes and capitalize on recent advancements in screening guidelines, ensuring early intervention opportunities are not missed.

7 Hills Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Houston, Texas. It focuses on developing innovative therapies to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, and cord blood transplant for treating solid tumors and orphan genetic diseases.

Indapta Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company that focuses on the development of a natural killer (NK) cell therapy platform aimed at treating various blood and solid tumor cancers. The company specializes in commercializing a proprietary, off-the-shelf, non-engineered, and allogeneic G-NK cell designed to enhance the immune response and significantly improve the cytotoxicity of antibody therapies. By harnessing the potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of these NK cells, Indapta Therapeutics enables healthcare providers to offer innovative treatment options for patients battling cancer.

Allterum Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other cancers that express the IL-7 receptor. The company is advancing a monoclonal antibody, specifically the 4A10 antibody, which was originally developed at the National Cancer Institute and is designed to selectively target and eliminate cancer cells. This targeted approach aims to minimize the side effects commonly associated with conventional chemotherapy, particularly benefiting pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory T-cell malignancies. Additionally, Allterum Therapeutics is investigating the potential of its therapies for relapsed or refractory solid tumors characterized by IL-7R over-expression.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio serves San Antonio and the 50,000 square-mile area of South Texas. It extends to campuses in the metropolitan border communities of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. More than 3,000 students a year train in an environment that involves more than 100 affiliated hospitals, clinics and health care facilities in South Texas. The UT Health Science Center and its Cancer Therapy & Research Center hold diversity as a core value. In this context, they are mindful of all aspects of human differences, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age. At the UT Health Science Center and CTRC, inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity, as they strive to create a climate that fosters belonging, respect and value for all. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, the UT Health Science Center and CTRC exercise these core values of diversity and inclusion by promoting and ensuring equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Gradalis, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded in 2003 and based in Carrollton, Texas. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative personalized therapeutics, particularly in the field of cancer treatment. Its primary offerings include personalized autologous vaccines and bifunctional short hairpin RNA, utilizing a proprietary immunotherapy platform known as Vigil. Gradalis is committed to advancing treatments for various cancer indications, with a lead program targeting Ewing's sarcoma. The company has established strategic partnerships, notably with the Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, to enhance its research and development efforts in cancer therapeutics.

March Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in cell therapies for hematological cancers. It focuses on developing CAR-T cell therapies, with its lead product, MB-105, targeting CD5 in refractory T-cell lymphoma and leukemia. The company's approach involves biologically informed target selection, simplified CAR-T engineering, and a streamlined manufacturing process to ensure cell functionality and consistency.

Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), located in Houston, Texas, is a prominent non-profit health sciences university founded in 1900. It offers a range of medical education programs, including a medical school that trains future physicians and an allied health division that provides education in nurse anesthesia, physician assisting, and prosthetics and orthotics. BCM emphasizes early patient interaction, allowing medical students to engage with patients shortly after beginning their studies. The institution is recognized for its graduate research division, consistently ranked among the top in the United States. Graduates of BCM have established successful careers as physicians, medical researchers, and leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, BCM offers an innovative eight-year medical program for exceptional high school students. Admissions to its various programs are competitive, involving multiple phases and considering test scores, GPA, and coursework. Financial aid options, including federal grants and scholarships, are available to support students in their educational pursuits.

7 Hills Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Houston, Texas. It focuses on developing innovative therapies to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, and cord blood transplant for treating solid tumors and orphan genetic diseases.

OncoResponse is an immuno‑oncology biotechnology company that uses a proprietary human antibody platform to discover novel targets and develop fully human monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment. By interrogating the adaptive immune system of patients who respond exceptionally well to checkpoint inhibition, the company identifies genuine human antibodies against high‑value targets linked with immunosuppressive myeloid biology. Its pipeline aims to alleviate tumor‑microenvironment immunosuppression and enhance immune activation, converting cold tumors into hot ones and providing new therapeutic options for patients.

ImmuneSensor Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2019. The company focuses on developing innovative medicines aimed at harnessing the body's innate immune system to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. ImmuneSensor Therapeutics works on targeting specific pathways to modulate the innate immune response, with the goal of enhancing anticancer immunity through stimulators of interferon gene activators. Additionally, the company seeks to create inhibitors that can suppress overactive autoimmunity. By activating innate immune defenses in response to cytosolic DNA from pathogens, cellular stress, and damaged tumor cells, ImmuneSensor Therapeutics aims to provide effective therapeutic solutions for a variety of diseases.

PanTher Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing cancer drug-delivery technologies. Its core platform enables therapeutics to be delivered directly to the tumor site, reducing systemic toxicity and allowing higher drug concentrations at the target while enabling sustained treatment. This approach aims to improve therapeutic efficacy and outcomes for hard-to-treat cancers by maximizing drug exposure at the tumor while limiting exposure to healthy tissue. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, PanTher Therapeutics is advancing investigational candidates, including a lead program in pancreatic cancer, to broaden the potential of precision delivery in oncology.

Nucore Medical develops solutions for the detection and intervention of early-stage lung cancer. Nucore Medical is a subsidiary of prana thoracic.

Prana Thoracic, Inc., based in Houston, is a medical device startup focused on developing innovative solutions for the early intervention of lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The company aims to address the critical challenges in lung cancer screening and diagnosis, where only a small percentage of cases are detected at an early stage. Prana Thoracic's advanced electrosurgical instrument utilizes bipolar radiofrequency energy to perform minimally invasive procedures, enabling physicians to capture and diagnose small, hard-to-reach lung nodules while reducing the risk of complications. By enhancing the tools available for surgical oncology in lung cancer, Prana Thoracic seeks to improve patient outcomes and capitalize on recent advancements in screening guidelines, ensuring early intervention opportunities are not missed.

Emtora Biosciences is a life science company focused on developing innovative therapeutics aimed at preventing the onset and recurrence of cancer. The company specializes in a novel formulation of rapamycin, known as eRapa, which not only targets cancer treatment but also aims to slow the aging process and regenerate the immune system. Emtora's formulation has shown promise in increasing healthspan and lifespan in rodent models, marking it as a significant advancement in medical science. This unique approach positions Emtora as a key player in the development of treatments for age-related diseases and cancer progression, offering new hope for patients and medical practitioners alike.

InformAI provides artificial intelligence and analytics solutions for healthcare, enabling faster diagnoses, improved radiology productivity, and enhanced patient outcome analysis. The company develops AI-enabled tools for image classification in MRI and CT scans, natural language processing of medical reports for business analytics, and predictive models for patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Its software targets healthcare systems, imaging/PACS providers, medical device companies, and research institutes, supporting diagnostic decision-making, workflow optimization, and risk assessment across clinical care. Founded in 2017 and based in Houston, InformAI aims to synthesize large clinical datasets and deliver actionable insights to drive improved patient outcomes and operational performance.

Plus Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to the discovery, development, and manufacturing of innovative treatments for cancer and rare diseases. The company's lead product candidate, DocePLUS, is a protein-stabilized PEGylated liposomal formulation of docetaxel aimed at treating small cell lung cancer. Additionally, Plus Therapeutics is developing DoxoPLUS, a formulation of doxorubicin intended for breast and ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The company is also engaged in developing therapies for central nervous system cancers, including recurrent glioblastoma and leptomeningeal metastases, with a key candidate being rhenium (186Re) obisbemeda. Plus Therapeutics leverages proprietary nanotechnology to enhance drug delivery and efficacy while minimizing side effects. Founded in 1996, the company was previously known as Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. before rebranding in July 2019.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio serves San Antonio and the 50,000 square-mile area of South Texas. It extends to campuses in the metropolitan border communities of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. More than 3,000 students a year train in an environment that involves more than 100 affiliated hospitals, clinics and health care facilities in South Texas. The UT Health Science Center and its Cancer Therapy & Research Center hold diversity as a core value. In this context, they are mindful of all aspects of human differences, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age. At the UT Health Science Center and CTRC, inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity, as they strive to create a climate that fosters belonging, respect and value for all. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, the UT Health Science Center and CTRC exercise these core values of diversity and inclusion by promoting and ensuring equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

OncoNano Medicine develops nanotechnology-based cancer imaging and therapeutic solutions that exploit the acidic tumor microenvironment. The company advances pH-activated compounds and ultra pH-sensitive polymeric micelle systems to localize activity, enable fluorescence-guided surgery, and improve delivery and activation of cancer therapies with reduced side effects. Its ONM-100 program targets tumor acidosis to differentiate cancer tissue from healthy tissue during surgical procedures and to enhance treatment precision.

Decoy Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing pandemic preparedness drugs. It uses artificial intelligence to design peptide decoys that interfere with viral replication, aiming to create effective treatments for emerging infectious diseases.

Dialectic Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative anti-cancer drugs aimed at treating patients with limited therapeutic options. Founded in 2018 and based in Dallas, Texas, the company utilizes its proprietary antiapoptotic protein targeted degradation technology to create compounds that selectively target cancer cells. One of its key products, DT2216, is designed to induce the degradation of B-cell lymphoma cells, promoting their self-destruction or increasing their vulnerability to chemotherapy. By concentrating on targeted therapies that minimize toxic side effects, Dialectic Therapeutics seeks to enhance disease-free survival rates for cancer patients.

Marker Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company based in Houston, Texas, that focuses on developing and commercializing T cell-based immunotherapies and peptide-based vaccines for hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The company’s MultiTAA technology enhances the effectiveness of non-engineered tumor-specific T cells, enabling them to target multiple tumor-associated antigens simultaneously. This approach aims to prevent immune escape and foster durable immunity. Marker Therapeutics offers autologous T cell therapies for conditions such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma, while also developing allogeneic T cell therapies for acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Additionally, the company is advancing peptide-based vaccines, including TPIV100/110 and TPIV200, which are currently in Phase II clinical trials for treating breast and ovarian cancers, respectively.

ImmunoGenesis is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immune therapies aimed at treating tumors that exhibit low levels of activated T cells or possess other mechanisms of immune resistance. The company specializes in creating immuno-oncology therapeutics designed to address the challenges of immunologically cold cancers, including prostate, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer. By targeting critical mechanisms of immune resistance, ImmunoGenesis aims to facilitate effective immune responses in these difficult-to-treat cancer types, ultimately providing healthcare professionals with access to advanced therapies that enhance treatment options for patients.

Invectys SA is a biopharmaceutical company based in Paris, France, founded in 2010 by Pierre Langlade Demoyen and Simon Wayne-Hobson. The company specializes in the development of innovative immunotherapy products aimed at treating various cancers. Invectys focuses on mobilizing and restoring the anti-tumor capacity of the immune system in cancer patients, targeting key tumor antigens such as telomerase and HLA-G, which are associated with uncontrolled cell growth and immune evasion in over 50% of cancers. Its product portfolio includes INVAC-1, a DNA vaccine targeting telomerase; UCPVax, which enhances CD4+ T-cell responses; and INMAB-I, a monoclonal antibody that acts as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Additionally, Invectys has developed TelVet, a telomerase DNA-based vaccine for treating cancer in dogs.

Perimeter Medical Imaging AI is a medical technology company focused on revolutionizing cancer surgery through the development of ultra-high-resolution, real-time imaging tools. These advanced imaging solutions are designed to address significant unmet medical needs in the surgical field, enhancing the ability to detect and delineate cancerous tissues during procedures. By improving the accuracy of surgical interventions, Perimeter aims to optimize patient outcomes and contribute to more effective cancer treatment strategies.

Allterum Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other cancers that express the IL-7 receptor. The company is advancing a monoclonal antibody, specifically the 4A10 antibody, which was originally developed at the National Cancer Institute and is designed to selectively target and eliminate cancer cells. This targeted approach aims to minimize the side effects commonly associated with conventional chemotherapy, particularly benefiting pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory T-cell malignancies. Additionally, Allterum Therapeutics is investigating the potential of its therapies for relapsed or refractory solid tumors characterized by IL-7R over-expression.

Dialectic Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative anti-cancer drugs aimed at treating patients with limited therapeutic options. Founded in 2018 and based in Dallas, Texas, the company utilizes its proprietary antiapoptotic protein targeted degradation technology to create compounds that selectively target cancer cells. One of its key products, DT2216, is designed to induce the degradation of B-cell lymphoma cells, promoting their self-destruction or increasing their vulnerability to chemotherapy. By concentrating on targeted therapies that minimize toxic side effects, Dialectic Therapeutics seeks to enhance disease-free survival rates for cancer patients.

The University of Texas at Dallas is a public research university located in Richardson, Texas, approximately 18 miles from downtown Dallas. It offers over 140 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, supported by 50 research centers and institutes that focus on areas such as Space Science, Bioengineering, Cybersecurity, and Nanotechnology. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards, UT Dallas attracts high-performing students, generally admitting those with SAT scores above 1200. The university's programs in MBA and Engineering are highly ranked, further enhancing its reputation. In addition to academics, UT Dallas boasts a vibrant campus life with over 160 student organizations and a Division III athletics program. The institution prioritizes student support, providing resources for career, academic, and personal counseling. Notably, the "tuition promise" plan ensures that eligible low-income students receive grants to cover their tuition costs. This combination of high academic standards, research opportunities, and student support makes the University of Texas at Dallas a distinguished institution in higher education.

Emtora Biosciences is a life science company focused on developing innovative therapeutics aimed at preventing the onset and recurrence of cancer. The company specializes in a novel formulation of rapamycin, known as eRapa, which not only targets cancer treatment but also aims to slow the aging process and regenerate the immune system. Emtora's formulation has shown promise in increasing healthspan and lifespan in rodent models, marking it as a significant advancement in medical science. This unique approach positions Emtora as a key player in the development of treatments for age-related diseases and cancer progression, offering new hope for patients and medical practitioners alike.

Medicenna Therapeutics is a clinical‑stage immuno‑oncology company headquartered in Toronto, Canada, founded in 2012. It develops and commercializes highly selective IL‑2, IL‑4, and IL‑13 Superkines and Empowered Cytokines (ECs) for cancer, inflammation, and immune‑mediated diseases. The pipeline includes MDNA55, an IL‑4 EC in Phase 2b trials for recurrent glioblastoma, as well as MDNA57 for solid tumors, MDNA109, an IL‑2 agonist for cancer immunotherapies, MDNA209, an IL‑2 antagonist for autoimmune conditions, MDNA413, a dual IL‑4/IL‑13 antagonist for solid tumors and fibrotic diseases, and MDNA132, an IL‑13 agonist targeting solid tumors and IL‑13Rα2‑expressing cells. The company also explores BiSKITs, a bifunctional SuperKine platform that delivers potent cell‑killing agents while modulating the tumor micro‑environment without harming healthy tissue.

Aravive Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2008. The company specializes in developing novel cancer therapeutics aimed at treating various types of malignancies, including solid tumors and hematologic cancers. Aravive's approach involves targeting critical survival pathways, with a key therapeutic candidate designed to act as a decoy that binds to the GAS6 pathway with high affinity, thereby preventing the activation of the AXL signaling pathway. This strategy is intended to inhibit cancer cell growth and survival.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio serves San Antonio and the 50,000 square-mile area of South Texas. It extends to campuses in the metropolitan border communities of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. More than 3,000 students a year train in an environment that involves more than 100 affiliated hospitals, clinics and health care facilities in South Texas. The UT Health Science Center and its Cancer Therapy & Research Center hold diversity as a core value. In this context, they are mindful of all aspects of human differences, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age. At the UT Health Science Center and CTRC, inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity, as they strive to create a climate that fosters belonging, respect and value for all. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, the UT Health Science Center and CTRC exercise these core values of diversity and inclusion by promoting and ensuring equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Forbius, also known as Formation Biologics, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on designing and developing innovative therapeutics for cancer and fibrotic diseases. Founded in 2011 as a management-led spin-out from YM BioSciences, the company specializes in creating agents that target critical biological pathways, specifically the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways. By leveraging advanced protein engineering technologies and a deep understanding of biology, Forbius aims to produce highly effective inhibitors with unique mechanisms of action, ultimately striving to improve patient outcomes and transform lives.

Iterion Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, focused on developing innovative therapeutics for cancer treatment. Established in 2010, the company specializes in targeted cancer therapies, with its lead product, Tegavivint, serving as a potent and selective inhibitor of the Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway. This pathway is known to play a critical role in various cancer-related processes, including cell proliferation and immune evasion. Tegavivint has demonstrated pre-clinical efficacy in several cancer models, such as desmoid tumors, acute myeloid leukemia, osteosarcoma, and various solid tumors. Iterion Therapeutics is actively enrolling patients in a Phase I clinical study of Tegavivint for desmoid tumors at multiple clinical centers across the United States and Canada.

University of Houston is a public research university located in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1927, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines including engineering, business, law, arts and sciences, and health sciences. The university houses specialized colleges such as Cullen College of Engineering and Bauer College of Business, along with the UH Law Center, with programs delivered on campus and online. It conducts extensive research across dozens of centers and supports faculty achievements in science and humanities. The university serves about 40,000 students annually and provides student services, scholarships, loans, and fellowships. It features a vibrant campus life with hundreds of student organizations and athletic programs, and connects students with internships and career opportunities through partnerships with national and regional employers.

AlloVir, Inc. is a clinical-stage cell therapy company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the research and development of allogeneic, off-the-shelf multi-virus specific T cell (VST) therapies aimed at preventing and treating serious viral-associated diseases. The company's lead product, Viralym-M, targets multiple viruses including BK virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus 6. Additionally, AlloVir is advancing several product candidates through preclinical and clinical stages, such as ALVR106 for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, ALVR109 for SARS-CoV-2, ALVR107 for hepatitis B, and ALVR108 for human herpesvirus-8. The company, originally founded in 2013 as ViraCyte, Inc., rebranded to AlloVir in May 2019 and is committed to addressing the urgent medical needs of patients with limited treatment options for viral diseases.

ESSA Pharma Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Vancouver, Canada, established in 2009. The company is dedicated to developing innovative therapies for prostate cancer, particularly advanced stages of the disease. Its lead product candidate, EPI-7386, is an oral medication currently undergoing a Phase I clinical study aimed at treating patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. ESSA's research focuses on small molecule drugs that selectively inhibit the N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor, a critical component for the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. This strategic targeting represents a promising avenue for next-generation hormone therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Threshold is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of drugs targeting Tumor Hypoxia, the low oxygen condition found in microenvironments of most solid tumors. This approach offers broad potential to treat most solid tumors. By selectively targeting tumor cells, they are building a pipeline of drugs that hold promise to be more effective and less toxic to healthy tissues than conventional anticancer drugs.

OncoNano Medicine develops nanotechnology-based cancer imaging and therapeutic solutions that exploit the acidic tumor microenvironment. The company advances pH-activated compounds and ultra pH-sensitive polymeric micelle systems to localize activity, enable fluorescence-guided surgery, and improve delivery and activation of cancer therapies with reduced side effects. Its ONM-100 program targets tumor acidosis to differentiate cancer tissue from healthy tissue during surgical procedures and to enhance treatment precision.

Aravive Biologics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2008. The company specializes in developing novel cancer therapeutics aimed at treating various types of malignancies, including solid tumors and hematologic cancers. Aravive's approach involves targeting critical survival pathways, with a key therapeutic candidate designed to act as a decoy that binds to the GAS6 pathway with high affinity, thereby preventing the activation of the AXL signaling pathway. This strategy is intended to inhibit cancer cell growth and survival.

Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Houston, Texas, dedicated to the development of novel cellular immunotherapies for treating various cancers, including hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The company is advancing its innovative product candidates, notably BPX-601, an autologous GoCAR-T therapy targeting solid tumors that express prostate stem cell antigen, and BPX-603, a dual-switch GoCAR-T therapy aimed at tumors expressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Bellicum utilizes its proprietary Chemical Induction of Dimerization technology platform, which allows for real-time control over immune system components, enhancing the efficacy and duration of therapeutic responses. Founded in 2004, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals has established collaborations with several organizations to further its research and development efforts in immunotherapy.

CTRC, the premiere cancer treatment and research center in Central and South Texas. Patient care is our number one priority at the CTRC and we look forward to assisting you in any way we can -- whether it's simply with information or perhaps a second opinion on treatment for yourself or a family member. We have some of the world's leading experts in different types of cancer, as well as an integrated, multi-disciplinary care team that means more physicians, technicians and specialists are looking at each and every case, making sure it is the optimal treatment plan.

Pelican Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing monoclonal antibody and fusion protein-based therapies aimed at activating the immune system. Founded in 2009 and based in San Antonio, Texas, the company’s product pipeline includes PTX-35, a humanized monoclonal antibody that acts as a functional agonist of TNFRSF25, and PTX-15, a human TL1A-Ig fusion protein that promotes the proliferation of regulatory T cells in patients. Pelican Therapeutics emphasizes the advancement of immuno-oncology treatments, seeking to enhance the body’s ability to combat tumors and cancer cells through innovative biological agents.

Nuviant Medical is a bioelectronics company focused on developing innovative solutions for chronic neurological diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease. Founded in October 2014 by Will Rosellini, the company specializes in medical devices that provide implantable therapies aimed at alleviating symptoms associated with movement disorders. One of its key products is the Synapse DBS system, a neurostimulation device designed to offer relief for patients suffering from chronic neurological conditions. Through its advancements in bioelectronic technology, Nuviant Medical seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals affected by these challenging disorders.

DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, with an additional office in San Diego, California. The company specializes in developing virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment, focusing initially on glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and currently untreatable brain tumor. Its lead product, DNX-2401, is a modified oncolytic virus derived from a common cold virus, designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells. This innovative approach has shown promising results, with over 35 patients treated and positive early outcomes reported. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other candidates such as DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, as well as MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company also has a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics, further enhancing its research and development capabilities in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio serves San Antonio and the 50,000 square-mile area of South Texas. It extends to campuses in the metropolitan border communities of Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. More than 3,000 students a year train in an environment that involves more than 100 affiliated hospitals, clinics and health care facilities in South Texas. The UT Health Science Center and its Cancer Therapy & Research Center hold diversity as a core value. In this context, they are mindful of all aspects of human differences, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability and age. At the UT Health Science Center and CTRC, inclusion is a core element for successfully achieving diversity, as they strive to create a climate that fosters belonging, respect and value for all. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, the UT Health Science Center and CTRC exercise these core values of diversity and inclusion by promoting and ensuring equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Molecular Templates, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Austin, Texas, dedicated to the discovery and development of biologic therapeutics aimed at treating cancer and other serious diseases. The company utilizes its proprietary engineered toxin body (ETB) platform to create therapies with unique mechanisms of action that differ from traditional antibody-drug conjugates. Its lead candidate, MT-3724, is currently undergoing Phase II clinical trials for relapsed and refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Additionally, Molecular Templates is developing other candidates, including MT-4019, which targets CD38, and has a partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company to create CD38-targeted therapies for multiple myeloma. The company also collaborates with Vertex Pharmaceuticals to enhance the hematopoietic stem cell transplant process through novel conditioning regimens.

Pulmotect, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in the development of inhaled therapeutics aimed at preventing and treating respiratory infections, particularly in cancer patients with compromised immune systems. Founded in 2007, the company's innovative approach focuses on enhancing the innate immune system to provide rapid and effective protection against a wide range of pathogens, including bacterial pneumonia, influenza, and fungal pneumonia, as well as potential bioterror agents. Pulmotect’s lead product, PUL-042, is a clinical-stage inhaled therapeutic that delivers immediate immune response, offering broad-spectrum protection that lasts for several days. By boosting the body’s natural defenses, Pulmotect aims to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in vulnerable patient populations at risk of severe respiratory diseases.

Biodexa Pharmaceuticals is an international specialty pharmaceutical company focused on oncology. It has a commercial platform with four marketed products in the US. The company develops products in-house and collaborates with partners to expand its pipeline, aiming to improve treatment efficacy through precise targeting.