Psiron

Psiron was an Australian biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases. The company's primary focus was its virotherapy platform, specifically the oncolytic virus Cavatak (Coxsackievirus A21), which targets ICAM-1-expressing tumor cells. Psiron also developed Sorafin for psoriasis and the Vapotronics inhaled drug delivery system in partnership with Canon. In 2006, Psiron changed its name to Viralytics to reflect its focus on oncolytic viruses. Viralytics was subsequently acquired by Merck & Co. (MSD) in 2018 for approximately $394 million, primarily for the development of Cavatak (V937) in combination with Keytruda.