Duo Oncology
Duo Oncology is a pioneering cancer nanomedicine company founded by oncologists and pharmaceutical scientists. Their mission is to develop ultrasmall, tumor-penetrating nanomedicines that deliver potent drug combinations directly to cancer cells deep within tumors, especially stroma-rich tumors. They aim to transform cancer treatment by creating innovative therapies that overcome physiological barriers and improve patient outcomes.
Industries
Nr. of Employees
small (1-50)
Duo Oncology
4165 Blair St, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
Products
Lead gemcitabine/paclitaxel ultrasmall nanomedicine (lead clinical candidate)
An ultrasmall polymeric micelle formulation co-delivering gemcitabine and paclitaxel designed for deep penetration into stroma-rich solid tumors to improve delivery, prolong activity, and modulate the tumor immune microenvironment.
Chemo‑immunotherapy ultrasmall nanomedicine (preclinical pipeline candidate)
Nanoparticle formulations combining a polymer-conjugated chemotherapeutic prodrug with an immune-modulating small molecule (CCR2 antagonist or similar) to stimulate anti-tumor immunity and block recruitment of immunosuppressive cells.
Azacytidine prodrug ultrasmall nanomedicine (preclinical candidate)
An epigenetic nucleoside prodrug formulated into an ultrasmall nanocarrier demonstrating serum protein-enhanced uptake, immune-mediated mechanism of action, and activity in lung cancer models.
Lead gemcitabine/paclitaxel ultrasmall nanomedicine (lead clinical candidate)
An ultrasmall polymeric micelle formulation co-delivering gemcitabine and paclitaxel designed for deep penetration into stroma-rich solid tumors to improve delivery, prolong activity, and modulate the tumor immune microenvironment.
Chemo‑immunotherapy ultrasmall nanomedicine (preclinical pipeline candidate)
Nanoparticle formulations combining a polymer-conjugated chemotherapeutic prodrug with an immune-modulating small molecule (CCR2 antagonist or similar) to stimulate anti-tumor immunity and block recruitment of immunosuppressive cells.
Azacytidine prodrug ultrasmall nanomedicine (preclinical candidate)
An epigenetic nucleoside prodrug formulated into an ultrasmall nanocarrier demonstrating serum protein-enhanced uptake, immune-mediated mechanism of action, and activity in lung cancer models.
Services
Partnerships and licensing arrangements with academic research groups and external partners to advance nanoparticle platform chemistry and preclinical candidates toward IND-enabling studies.
Design and management of IND-enabling preclinical programs including GLP toxicology, biodistribution, and regulatory interactions (pre‑IND meetings and trial design consultations).
Partnerships and licensing arrangements with academic research groups and external partners to advance nanoparticle platform chemistry and preclinical candidates toward IND-enabling studies.
Design and management of IND-enabling preclinical programs including GLP toxicology, biodistribution, and regulatory interactions (pre‑IND meetings and trial design consultations).
Expertise Areas
- Nanomedicine formulation and polymer chemistry
- Preclinical oncology development and translational studies
- Tumor microenvironment targeting and penetration
- Chemo‑immunotherapy combination strategies
Key Technologies
- Ultrasmall polymeric nanoparticle micelles (10–30 nm)
- Polymer–drug conjugation chemistry
- Stimuli‑responsive (tumor‑triggered) linkers
- High drug‑loading co‑formulation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs
News & Updates
Duo Oncology raised over $1M+ in seed funding led by UPMC oncologists Dr. Stanley Marks and Dr. Jing-Zhou Hou to advance its lead product through manufacturing and safety studies.
Duo Oncology is nominated for 'Best Startup' at the prestigious Prix Galien USA Awards, recognizing its innovative nanomedicine platform for cancer therapy.
Research led by founders Drs. Song Li and Jingjing Sun on ultrasmall nanomedicines and immunotherapy was published in Advanced Science, highlighting novel approaches to cancer treatment.
The company obtained a U.S. composition of matter patent, strengthening its intellectual property portfolio for its nanomedicine platform and therapies.
University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute highlights Duo Oncology’s progress towards first-in-human trials.
The NCI Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory will support Duo Oncology’s lead program DUO-207.
Duo Oncology raised over $1M+ in seed funding led by UPMC oncologists Dr. Stanley Marks and Dr. Jing-Zhou Hou to advance its lead product through manufacturing and safety studies.
Duo Oncology is nominated for 'Best Startup' at the prestigious Prix Galien USA Awards, recognizing its innovative nanomedicine platform for cancer therapy.
Research led by founders Drs. Song Li and Jingjing Sun on ultrasmall nanomedicines and immunotherapy was published in Advanced Science, highlighting novel approaches to cancer treatment.
The company obtained a U.S. composition of matter patent, strengthening its intellectual property portfolio for its nanomedicine platform and therapies.
University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute highlights Duo Oncology’s progress towards first-in-human trials.
The NCI Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory will support Duo Oncology’s lead program DUO-207.