Darell Bigner

Istari Oncology is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immuno-oncology and immunotherapy platforms for the treatment of glioblastoma and other solid tumors. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Darell Bigner and Dr. Matthias Gromeier of Duke University, the company is commercializing the PVSRIPO platform, a genetically modified poliovirus that targets the CD155 receptor on cancer cells and antigen-presenting cells. PVSRIPO works by inducing direct tumor cell lysis and triggering a robust, sustained anti-tumor immune response. The company's pipeline also includes antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as D2C7-IT, which targets EGFR and EGFRvIII in malignant gliomas. Istari Oncology is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, and continues to leverage its deep roots in neuro-oncology research to address aggressive cancers with high unmet needs.