Turnstone Biologics

Turnstone Biologics is a privately-held immuno-oncology company dedicated to delivering breakthrough viral immunotherapies to improve survival for people with cancer. With an experienced leadership team passionate about helping people with cancer, comprehensive capabilities in immuno-oncology discovery, basic research, translation, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization, Turnstone Biologics is the sole company developing viral immunotherapies to drive benefit through simultaneous generation of a targeted immune response and modulation of the tumor environment. THE VACCINIA VIRUS Turnstone’s proprietary vaccinia virus platform has been engineered to stimulate the immune system, drive antigen presentation and recognition, and re-shape the tumor microenvironment. The high degree of tumor selectivity and large transgene capacity of the virus can be utilized to deliver other agents and therapeutics directly to sites of tumors throughout the body for local expression, reducing their potential for systemic toxicity. RIVAL-01 is Turnstone’s lead candidate consisting of the vaccinia virus backbone encoding three potent immunomodulators, Flt3 ligand, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, and IL-12 cytokine, specifically designed to work together to drive immune activity and re-program the microenvironment to be best suited for tumor eradication. When the vaccinia virus enters and replicates in cancer cells throughout the body, the transgenes are expressed. The resulting local production of these therapeutics at the site of tumors add to the inherent oncolytic and microenvironment modifying properties of the virus to form a powerful multi-modal attack on the disease. Based in New York and Ottawa, Ontario, Turnstone Biologics have raised $50 million in venture capital financing, brought in more than $100 million in non-dilutive funding, and have received numerous biotechnology industry awards, including being named a 2017 “Fierce 15” winner.