About

About TheraFluor TheraFluor, Inc. Overview TheraFluor, Inc. is a privately held theranostic company pioneering the targeted use of innovative nanomedicines to improve health outcomes for cancer patients. The company is developing a cutting-edge technology platform for cancer detection, fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), and phototherapy (PT), designed to maximize patient benefits while minimizing side effects. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, TheraFluor was founded on intellectual property from Oregon State University and is working to bring its proprietary nanoparticle technology and specialized instruments to both human and veterinary medicine markets. For more information, visit www.therafluor.com. Innovative Solutions for Cancer Treatment TheraFluor’s novel approach transforms the way surgeons detect, remove, and treat cancer. Our technology enables surgeons to more effectively distinguish between healthy and malignant cells in solid tumors during fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS), leading to cleaner margins and lower recurrence rates. At the heart of this technology is our patented tumor-activatable near-infrared (NIR) nanoparticle (SiNc-NP), which becomes fluorescent when it accumulates in solid tumors. SiNc-NP is an innovative, dual-function nanomedicine that combines fluorescent-imaging and phototherapeutic capabilities with both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) properties, enabling it to both guide tumor removal and kill residual cancer cells post-surgery. Encapsulated in biodegradable nanoparticles, this smart nanomedicine is activated in tumors and offers significant advantages over current FDA-approved fluorescent agents. SiNc-NP is non-toxic with enhanced fluorescent and photostable properties, enabling more precise surgery and tumor resection. Additionally, TheraFluor’s proprietary NIR camera system delivers high-quality visualization of both healthy and malignant tissue, making FGS technology accessible to every surgeon. Our software, powered by real-time images from the NIR camera, assists surgeons in achieving complete tumor resection. A Strong Business Model: Veterinary and Human Medicine Our strategy involves pursuing a dual-market approach. We are initially focusing on the veterinary market, where regulatory hurdles are lower and the path to revenue is faster. In parallel, we are looking for a strategic partner or to license our technology for use in human medicine to a commercial partner, advancing these products toward human clinical applications. This parallel approach will provide synergistic benefits for both regulatory paths. Veterinary Applications: Targeting Companion Animal Cancer TheraFluor is committed to improving the way veterinarians detect and treat cancer in dogs and cats. Cancer rates in pets, especially dogs, are high—often higher than in humans. Surgery is the primary treatment for most solid tumors, but challenges remain in achieving clean margins during surgical resection. A major unmet need exists in veterinary oncology, particularly for addressing tumors such as mast cell tumors (MCTs), which are the most common malignant tumors in dogs. MCTs are difficult to remove completely, with recurrence rates of 30% to 64% if clean margins aren’t achieved. The need for repeat surgeries or follow-up chemotherapy and radiation therapy drives up costs for pet owners and can lead to shortened lifespans for pets. Initial studies have demonstrated the optimal dosage of SiNc-NP for targeting MCTs in both mouse models and canines. SiNc-NP was found safe for use in dogs over an ~30-fold dose range with no adverse events. Furthermore, SiNc-NP helped the surgical veterinarian identify additional MCTs (~25%) that were not known prior to SiNc-NP administration. Path to Regulatory Approval and Future Growth TheraFluor is focusing on gaining approval from the Center for Veterinary Medicine for our SiNc-NP product. This regulatory process is expected to take 3-5 years and will cost between $3-5 million. Instrument development and scaling for market will require an additional $2-3 million. TheraFluor’s long-term vision includes expanding into human medicine through strategic partnerships/licensing and leveraging our proven technology to make a significant impact on both veterinary and human oncology markets. Market Opportunity in Human Oncology: Ensuring Clean Margins in Tumor Resection The challenge of achieving clean margins during tumor resection is a significant issue in human oncology as well. For many solid tumors, the success of surgery depends on completely removing the cancerous tissue, with any remaining cancer cells leading to recurrence and potentially fatal outcomes. Despite advancements in imaging techniques, surgeons often struggle to clearly distinguish between healthy and malignant tissue, especially in complex or deeply embedded tumors. TheraFluor’s innovative technology offers a promising solution by providing real-time fluorescence-guided visualization, enabling surgeons to more accurately identify tumor boundaries and improve surgical precision. Additionally, the SiNc-NP’s phototherapeutic properties will enable surgeons to eliminate residual cancer cells in the surgical bed significantly reducing recurrence rates and the need for follow-up treatments, such as additional surgeries or radiation therapy, ultimately improving patient survival and quality of life. The market for surgical aids aimed at improving tumor margin delineation is substantial, with growing demand for advanced technologies in cancer surgery. As the global incidence of cancer continues to rise, particularly in complex cancers like gliomas, breast cancer, and sarcomas, the potential for TheraFluor’s platform in human oncology is vast, offering a major opportunity to enhance surgical outcomes and lower overall healthcare costs. Near-Infrared Imaging Systems for Surgical Guidance Near-infrared (NIR) imaging systems are emerging as powerful tools in the field of surgical guidance, providing real-time, high-resolution visualization of tissues during surgery. These systems utilize NIR fluorescence to highlight specific tissues or tumors, enabling surgeons to differentiate between healthy and malignant cells with greater accuracy than traditional imaging techniques. NIR imaging offers several advantages, including deep tissue penetration, minimal tissue damage, and the ability to visualize tumors that are otherwise difficult to detect with the naked eye. By incorporating NIR fluorescent agents, such as those developed by TheraFluor, these systems can enhance the precision of tumor resections, ensuring that cancerous tissues are completely removed while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. As a result, NIR imaging is increasingly being adopted in cancer surgeries, offering the potential to reduce recurrence rates, improve surgical outcomes, and shorten recovery times. With the growing adoption of minimally invasive surgery and a shift towards precision medicine, the market for NIR imaging systems is expected to expand rapidly, representing a significant opportunity for companies like TheraFluor that are innovating in this space. Team and Funding TheraFluor has assembled a talented team with deep expertise in biotechnology, fluorescent chemistry, regulatory affairs, and market strategy. We have also assembled a strong advisory network, including key inventors, veterinary experts, and collaborators at Oregon State University. TheraFluor has received significant funding from Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) and two SBIR Phase 1 grants. We are applying for additional non-dilutive funding through SBIR Phase 2 programs to advance dye and instrument development. We are actively raising a seed round from angel investors that will be followed by a larger Series A round in two years. Licensing Opportunity: A Strategic Advantage for Partners TheraFluor's proprietary near-infrared (NIR) imaging and therapeutic platform offers a unique and highly differentiated solution in the rapidly evolving oncology space, making it an attractive licensing opportunity for companies looking to advance cancer treatment technologies. With its dual functionality—providing both real-time tumor visualization and therapeutic capabilities—our technology has the potential to significantly enhance surgical outcomes, reduce recurrence rates, and improve patient survival across both veterinary and human medicine. By licensing this cutting-edge technology, companies can quickly enter the lucrative human oncology market with a proven, patent-protected solution, bypassing the long and costly development cycles typically associated with new medical technologies. Moreover, as the global oncology market continues to grow, particularly in minimally invasive and precision surgeries, this technology offers a strategic advantage for partners seeking to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape. TheraFluor is actively seeking commercial partners to license its technology, providing them with a high-impact, innovative tool that can transform cancer treatment and position them at the forefront of the next generation of medical advancements.