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

Alphabet spinoff SandboxAQ has announced a 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 AI technology and immunotherapy expertise to accelerate the drug discovery process and bring a potential new treatment to the clinic within 18 months.

Innovative Approach to Glioblastoma Treatment

Glioblastoma, responsible for approximately 200,000 deaths annually according to the World Health Organization, remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat. The collaboration between SandboxAQ and iOncologi seeks to address this unmet medical need by combining SandboxAQ's advanced AI-driven drug discovery platform with iOncologi's deep tech immunotherapy design and clinical expertise.

SandboxAQ CEO Jack Hidary emphasized the significance of this partnership, 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

SandboxAQ, which recently secured over $300 million in funding for AI applications in drug discovery, chemistry, and medical devices, brings its large quantitative models (LQMs) to the collaboration. These AI-driven tools are designed to swiftly identify potential drug candidates, simulate molecular behavior, and generate new drug molecules.

The partnership will utilize SandboxAQ's software and biologics technology in conjunction with iOncologi's immunotherapy expertise to develop and commercialize a high-fidelity mRNA vaccine for glioblastoma. This approach represents a significant step forward in the application of AI to oncology research and drug development.

Expanding Immunotherapy Horizons

iOncologi, headquartered in Florida, specializes in creating precision immunotherapies that redirect the immune system to target previously untreatable tumors, with a particular focus on those protected by the blood-brain barrier. The company's recent acquisition of Swiss biotech TargImmune Therapeutics has further strengthened its position in developing novel tumor-targeted immunotherapies.

The collaboration with SandboxAQ is expected to accelerate iOncologi's efforts in developing innovative treatments for glioblastoma and potentially other challenging cancers. By combining AI-driven drug discovery with advanced immunotherapy techniques, the partnership aims to overcome current limitations in treating aggressive brain tumors.