Oncolytic Virus M1

Veronide (VRT-M1) is an oncolytic virus therapy developed by Guangzhou Virotech Pharmaceutical, based on a naturally occurring M1 strain of alphavirus. Originally isolated from mosquitoes, the M1 virus has been identified as a potent oncolytic agent that selectively targets and kills cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. Its selectivity is primarily driven by the deficiency of the Zinc finger CCCH-type antiviral protein (ZAP) in many tumor types. In normal cells, ZAP recognizes viral RNA and triggers its degradation, effectively blocking viral replication. In contrast, ZAP-deficient cancer cells allow the virus to replicate unchecked, leading to direct cell lysis and the release of tumor-associated antigens, which further stimulates a systemic anti-tumor immune response. Veronide is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of advanced solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer.

Brand names

Veronide

Other names

M1 virusM-1 virusM 1 virusOncolytic Alphavirus M1VRT-M1-01VRT-M-1-01VRT-M 1-01