Top 8 Startups developing Cancer Vaccines in USA
Dec 01, 2025
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15
1
Funding: $100M
Azalea Therapeutics is a biotech company co-founded by Nobel laureate and CRISPR co-creator Jennifer Doudna to develop a revolutionary cancer vaccine - a single injection that reprograms a patient's T cells directly within the body (in vivo). The technology combines virus-like particles (EDVs) for precise delivery of the CRISPR editor and adeno-associated viruses, which allow genes to be inserted into precisely defined sections of DNA. The combination of these technologies enables a single injection that modifies T cells while preserving their natural behavior. The company is also exploring the possibility of applying the technology to hematopoietic stem cells and B cells. Azalea stands out from its competitors thanks to its unique ability to precisely program gene placement in immune cells.
Azalea Therapeutics is a biotech company co-founded by Nobel laureate and CRISPR co-creator Jennifer Doudna to develop a revolutionary cancer vaccine - a single injection that reprograms a patient's T cells directly within the body (in vivo). The technology combines virus-like particles (EDVs) for precise delivery of the CRISPR editor and adeno-associated viruses, which allow genes to be inserted into precisely defined sections of DNA. The combination of these technologies enables a single injection that modifies T cells while preserving their natural behavior. The company is also exploring the possibility of applying the technology to hematopoietic stem cells and B cells. Azalea stands out from its competitors thanks to its unique ability to precisely program gene placement in immune cells.
2
Funding: $3.9B
Moderna is a pioneer in developing a new class of drugs based on messenger RNA (mRNA). This new drug platform is based on the discovery that in-vitro engeneered and injected mRNA can direct the body's cellular machinery to produce virtually any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely new protein constructs with therapeutic activity both inside and outside cells. In other words, mRNA can guide the body to produce its own drugs. Moderna used mRNA to create the first COVID-19 vaccine and is now applying this technology to create vaccines for infectious diseases (influenza, RSV, HSV, etc.), immuno-oncology (melanoma, lung cancer, liver cancer, etc.), rare diseases and autoimmune diseases.
Moderna is a pioneer in developing a new class of drugs based on messenger RNA (mRNA). This new drug platform is based on the discovery that in-vitro engeneered and injected mRNA can direct the body's cellular machinery to produce virtually any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely new protein constructs with therapeutic activity both inside and outside cells. In other words, mRNA can guide the body to produce its own drugs. Moderna used mRNA to create the first COVID-19 vaccine and is now applying this technology to create vaccines for infectious diseases (influenza, RSV, HSV, etc.), immuno-oncology (melanoma, lung cancer, liver cancer, etc.), rare diseases and autoimmune diseases.
3
Funding: $263.8M
Elicio Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical research company that develops an immuno-tumor vaccine to treat cancer.
Elicio Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical research company that develops an immuno-tumor vaccine to treat cancer.
4
Funding: $84.9M
Immunomic Therapeutics is a development stage biotechnology company that develops lysosomal associated membrane protein-based vaccines.
Immunomic Therapeutics is a development stage biotechnology company that develops lysosomal associated membrane protein-based vaccines.
5
Funding: $48.1M
TransCode Therapeutics is an RNA oncology company that develops and commercializes drugs for the treatment of metastatic cancer.
TransCode Therapeutics is an RNA oncology company that develops and commercializes drugs for the treatment of metastatic cancer.
6
Funding: $34.3M
Anixa is a publicly-traded biotechnology company focused on harnessing the body's immune system in the fight against cancer. Anixa's therapeutic portfolio includes a cancer vaccine technology focused on the immunization against α-Lactalbumin to prevent triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), as well as a cancer immunotherapy program which uses a novel type of CAR-T, known as chimeric endocrine receptor T-cell (CER-T) technology.
Anixa is a publicly-traded biotechnology company focused on harnessing the body's immune system in the fight against cancer. Anixa's therapeutic portfolio includes a cancer vaccine technology focused on the immunization against α-Lactalbumin to prevent triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), as well as a cancer immunotherapy program which uses a novel type of CAR-T, known as chimeric endocrine receptor T-cell (CER-T) technology.
7
Funding: $13.8M
BioVaxys is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapeutic cancer vaccines targeting melanoma and ovarian cancer.
BioVaxys is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing immunotherapeutic cancer vaccines targeting melanoma and ovarian cancer.
8
Dendreon was a biotechnology company produces immunotherapy for prostate cancer. Its cancer vaccine uses a patient’s own immune cells, which are collected, processed and infused back into the individual through an intravenous infusion that is completed in three cycles.
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