Developing dual-receptor immune-cell therapies for ovarian cancer
Cancer-targeting immune cells can also attack healthy tissue when both carry the same markers. In solid tumours, this can cause severe side effects. Natural T-cell receptors distinguish cancer from healthy tissue more precisely, but trigger a weaker immune response.
Akimbo Bio is developing an ovarian cancer therapy that combines two receptors on immune cells to improve cancer targeting while sparing healthy tissue. Its planned delivery uses a lentiviral vector to introduce both receptors inside the body.
What stands out about Akimbo Bio
Co-founder Achar's foundational dual-receptor research eliminated tumour cells and spared healthy human tissue in engineered mice.
Joined Oxford's BioEscalator in December 2025, establishing a first laboratory home with access to its start-up support network.
Co-founder and CEO Aneesh Aggarwal holds Cambridge medical qualifications and researches ovarian cancer organoids at Oxford.
Co-founder and CSO Sooraj Achar completed an Oxford DPhil in cross-receptor antagonism through the NIH Oxford-Cambridge programme.
The founding team received the Peter Medawar Immunology Prize (2025) and Richard & Vera Siegel Translation Award (2024).
The founding team received the BioHealth Innovation Award (2022) and William E Paul Award (2023) for scientific research.
NCI recognised co-founder Sooraj Achar with its CCR Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award for his cancer immunology research.
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