ONCR-159

ONCR-159 is an investigational **oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1** immunotherapy developed by **Oncorus** for the treatment of **cancer**. It is an **interferon-resistant, replication-competent HSV-1** engineered to retain the viral **γ34.5** gene, a feature intended to preserve viral replication in tumors despite host antiviral signaling, including interferon-mediated immune pressure. ONCR-159 is described as the **unarmed** counterpart of ONCR-177, meaning it lacks the immunomodulatory transgene payloads present in ONCR-177 while preserving the underlying viral backbone and redundant safety features designed to improve tolerability. Preclinical studies reported antitumor activity and improved survival in bilateral CT26 tumor models, supporting its use as an oncolytic viral immunotherapy for solid tumors and other neoplasms.

Other names

unarmed version of ONCR-177