Alphabet's SandboxAQ and iOncologi Partner to Develop mRNA Vaccine for Glioblastoma

Alphabet spinoff SandboxAQ has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Florida-based biotech company iOncologi to develop a novel mRNA vaccine targeting glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The partnership, revealed on July 16, 2025, aims to leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence and biologics technology to accelerate the development of a potentially life-saving treatment for one of the most challenging cancers.

A New Frontier in Cancer Immunotherapy

The collaboration between SandboxAQ and iOncologi represents a significant step forward in the fight against glioblastoma, a devastating brain tumor that claims approximately 200,000 lives annually, according to the World Health Organization. By combining SandboxAQ's advanced AI-driven drug discovery platform with iOncologi's expertise in precision immunotherapies, the partnership seeks to bring a new mRNA vaccine to clinical trials within 18 months.

SandboxAQ CEO Jack Hidary emphasized the urgent need for innovative treatments, stating, "Glioblastoma's rapid progression and high mortality rate make it one of the most devastating cancers in the world. Our collaboration with iOncologi aims to create a new and effective treatment for this challenging condition, pairing the most comprehensive oncology datasets with advanced quantitative AI tools and simulation techniques, greatly accelerating the drug discovery process."

AI-Powered Drug Discovery Meets Immunotherapy Expertise

At the heart of this collaboration is the synergy between SandboxAQ's artificial intelligence capabilities and iOncologi's deep tech immunotherapy design. SandboxAQ's platform utilizes large quantitative models (LQMs) to swiftly identify potential drug candidates, simulate molecular behavior, and generate novel drug molecules. This technology, backed by a recent $300 million funding round, has positioned SandboxAQ as a leader in AI applications across drug discovery, chemistry, and medical devices.

iOncologi, on the other hand, brings to the table its specialized knowledge in creating precision immunotherapies that redirect the immune system to target previously untreatable tumors, particularly those protected by the blood-brain barrier. The Florida-based company's recent acquisition of Swiss biotech TargImmune Therapeutics has further bolstered its capabilities in developing tumor-targeted immunotherapies.

Accelerating the Path to Clinical Trials

While financial details of the partnership remain undisclosed, both companies have expressed confidence in their ability to expedite the vaccine development process. The collaboration aims to leverage SandboxAQ's software and biologics technology to identify new drug candidates, while iOncologi will contribute its deep tech immunotherapy design and clinical expertise.

As the pharmaceutical industry continues to explore the potential of mRNA technology beyond its successful application in COVID-19 vaccines, this partnership represents a significant step towards expanding its use in cancer treatment. The race to develop an effective glioblastoma vaccine could potentially open new avenues for mRNA-based therapies in oncology and other fields of medicine.