News
Find the latest news about OncoBLAZE below.
OncoBlaze Receives SCRA Federal Matching Grant to Advance Cancer Recurrence Therapy
Charleston SC, October 5th 2025​
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A Fantastic Week for OncoBLAZE at WMIC2025 🚀
We just wrapped up an incredible week at the World Molecular Imaging Congress (WMIC 🔬 ) 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska — where OncoBLAZE presented our technology that enables visualization of chemo-drug delivery in real-time. This technology enables oncologists to ensure the optimal chemo drug dose is delivered to the desired region, to facilitate the ideal therapy outcome.
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And what an experience WMIC’25 was! From the breathtaking mountain backdrop to the energy of the scientific community, it was inspiring to see so many innovators pushing the boundaries of molecular imaging.
The highlight of the week was Dieter Haemmerich’s oral presentation in the New Probes for Oncology Imaging session, a proud moment for the collaborative team between OncoBLAZE and the Medical University of South Carolina. The room was packed, and the discussion that followed showed just how much interest there is in technologies that can visualize drug delivery in real-time, directly at the treatment site.
Our poster session the same week was the perfect complement. Many attendees who had heard the talk stopped by to dive deeper into the technical details, and the feedback was fantastic. We had engaging conversations with scientists, clinicians, and industry partners who shared ideas for collaboration and clinical translation, all reaffirming the value of what we’re building.
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Huge thanks to everyone who connected with us during the event and to the #WMIC organizers for bringing together such an inspiring community. We’re heading home energized and even more motivated to continue advancing precision drug delivery through imaging innovation.
#WMIC2025
#OncoBlaze #Oncology #FluorescenceImaging #DrugDelivery #MedicalImaging #CancerResearch #PrecisionMedicine
OncoBLAZE Named Finalist for 2025 InnoVision Awards
Charleston SC, Aug 26th 2025
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We are proud to share that OncoBLAZE has been named a 2025 finalist in the InnoVision Awards’ Technology Development category.
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The InnoVision Awards celebrate organizations across South Carolina that are pushing boundaries in science, technology, and business. Each year, an independent panel of judges evaluates applicants for their creativity, technical impact, and potential to transform industries. Being recognized among this year’s finalists is a strong validation of our team’s vision and progress.
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Our Innovation
At OncoBLAZE, we are developing a novel cancer therapy approach. During conventional chemotherapy as currently used, a toxic substance is administered and goes to all cells in the body with only a tiny fraction of the (~0.1%) reaching the targeted cancer cells. Often, insufficient drug reaches cancer cells, the cells survive, and result in tumor recurrence. OncoBLAZE developed technology that delivers the same chemo drug targeted directly to the cancer cells. We achieve up to 30x more chemo drug in cancer cells to ensure all cancer cells die, and the cancer patient is cured.
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We will apply our technology to treat remnant cancer cells after surgery, and prevent cancer recurrence. Our technology combines:
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Heat-activated nanoparticles that release chemotherapy only where it is needed
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Real-time imaging to visualize drug delivery, and ensure adequate drug reaches all targeted cancer cells
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Precicely targeted chemo delivery designed to eliminate residual cancer cells after surgery
This drug-device platform is designed to improve patient outcomes by increasing local chemo drug concentration and reducing toxic side effects.
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Why It Matters
Cancers such as head and neck cancers and soft tissue sarcomas have high rates of tumor recurrence after surgery, with limited treatment options after recurrence. Patients often face challenging surgeries followed by therapies that can affect their quality of life. Precision chemo delivery aimed to killing remnant cancer cells will eliminate the need for follow-up therapies that are undesirable for the patient, as well as costly.
OncoBlaze Receives SCRA Federal Matching Grant to Advance Cancer Recurrence Therapy
Charleston SC, June 10th 2025​
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We’re proud to announce that OncoBlaze has been awarded a $50,000 Federal Matching Grant from the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). The award supports our continued efforts to develop innovative technologies that target residual cancer cells after surgery, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and reducing cancer recurrence.
This milestone also marks OncoBlaze’s acceptance into the SCRA Member Company network, joining a cohort of high-impact South Carolina startups. As a Member Company, OncoBlaze gains access to specialized coaching, startup resources, and potential funding opportunities through SC Launch Inc., SCRA’s investment affiliate.
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We thank SCRA for their support and look forward to accelerating our mission of making post-surgical cancer recurrence a preventable event.
Here is the link to the interview: https://www.scra.org/scra-announces-new-member-companies-and-grant-funding-jun25/
OncoBLAZE Presents Novel Chemotherapy Imaging System at 17th Annual DCRI & Pediatrics Research Symposium
Charleston SC, May 21st 2025
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We’re excited to share that OncoBLAZE employee Anabelle VanDenburgh presented our latest R&D efforts at the 17th Annual DCRI & Pediatrics Research Symposium, showcasing the development and evaluation of our novel real-time fluorescence imaging system for visualizing chemotherapy delivery.
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Pediatric soft-tissue sarcomas are commonly treated with chemotherapy agents, but systemic toxicities limit the dose that can be administered, often resulting in inadequate drug delivery to cancer cells. By encapsulating chemotherapy agents in thermosensitive liposomes and applying localized hyperthermia, drug uptake to cancer cells can be enhanced by up to 20-30x. Visualization of this localized chemo delivery would enable monitoring, to ensure all cancer cells receive adequate drug dose. However, such visualization, especially in a clinical setting, has not been possible until now.
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Our team at OncoBLAZE, in collaboration with the Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University, has developed a novel imaging system capable of visualizing the fluorescence of the common chemotherapy agent doxorubicin. The imaging system is intended for use in human patients, under normal room lighting conditions.
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Key benefits include:
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Limit of detection is 0.1 µg/mL (>10-100x lower than anticipated drug uptake)
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Spatial resolution greater than 7 line pairs/mm
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Fast acquisition times (<50 ms), reducing motion artifacts (compared to >1 s for our commercial system)
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Operation under normal room lighting, unlike commercial systems requiring completely dark environments
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Stronger fluorescence enhancement (2.8x signal increase vs. 1.6x with our commercial system)
Compared to a high-end commercial fluorescence imaging system (Bruker InVivo Xtreme), the OncoBLAZE system provided comparable resolution and detection limits, but enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and image clarity. Importantly, our system achieved comparable image quality and SNR in normal room lighting, as the commercial system achieved in a dark chamber.
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Our novel technology holds promise for improving the precision and effectiveness of chemotherapy delivery by providing clinicians with immediate visual feedback on drug uptake, potentially transforming the paradigm of chemotherapy delivery. Currently, chemotherapy is administered without knowledge where the drug goes, or how much ends up in the cancer cells. We envision a future where the physician directs chemotherapy to the cancer cells. The ability to monitor delivery in real-time ensures that the desired dose ends up at the targeted tumor tissue.
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Congratulations to Anabelle and the team for this exciting step of advancing our imaging system towards clinical translation.
OncoBLAZE Completes the Innosphere Startup Incubator: Our Experience & Insights
Charleston SC, March 6th 2025​
At OncoBLAZE, our mission is to revolutionize cancer treatment by developing precision-targeted therapies that eliminate residual cancer cells post-surgery. By preventing recurrence and advancing personalized oncology solutions, we are dedicated to improving patient outcomes and reducing the economic burden of cancer care.
Our Journey with Innosphere
Starting and growing a life sciences startup comes with unique challenges—complex regulatory pathways, intellectual property hurdles, and the integration of cutting-edge medical technologies. That’s why participating in the 9-months long Innosphere Startup Incubator has been a game-changer for us. The program provided us with expert mentorship, structured guidance, and invaluable connections in the industry.
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Insights from Our Founders
💡 Christian Rossmann, PhD, CTO:
"Starting a company in Life Sciences is a LOT, and Innosphere has been incredibly helpful in navigating that journey. They did a fantastic job of laying everything out for us—from the critical steps we needed to follow from day one to the strategic decisions ahead. Instead of having to search for those steps ourselves, our Client Director, Joanna Money, got us on the right track in every aspect, which has been extremely valuable."
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💡 Dieter Haemmmerich, PhD, DSc, CEO:
"We can’t say enough about our Client Director, Joanna Money. She has been incredibly helpful in answering questions related to IP, regulatory issues, and the complexities of our drug-device combination—which is far more intricate than just a drug or just a device. We’re currently working on a licensing deal, and she has provided critical guidance on key terms, valuation, and negotiation strategies."
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Why We Recommend Innosphere
For any science-driven entrepreneur looking to accelerate their startup, gain expert mentorship, and navigate the complexities of commercialization, Innosphere is an excellent choice. Their Life Sciences Accelerator program provides a structured framework to help startups scale efficiently while addressing industry-specific challenges.
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Here is the link to the interview: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7303081891102920704/
Austrian Trade Commission visits OncoBLAZE!
Charleston SC, December 14th 2024
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Today, a team of 12 members from the Austrian Trade Commission ('Advantage Austria') based out of New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and San Francisco visited OncoBLAZE. They met with the two co-founders who both have roots in Austria, to learn more about our novel precision technology for chemotherapy delivery.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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The discussion highlighted the commission’s efforts to foster research collaborations between the U.S. and Austria, while also creating networking opportunities for Austrian startups navigating the U.S. market. In the photo below, our CEO, Dieter Haemmerich, explains the working principles of our preclinical prototype—a drug-device combination designed to target residual cancer cells with unparalleled precision and efficacy. We’re grateful for the opportunity to share our work and explore potential collaborations that could advance innovation in cancer treatment. A huge thank you to Advantage Austria for their visit and support!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​#OncoBLAZE #AdvantageAustria #CancerResearch #AustrianTradeCommission
Ribbon-cutting Ceremony and Meeting the Charleston, SC Mayor W. Cogswell Jr.
Charleston SC, November 21th 2024​
🌟 Exciting Day for OncoBLAZE! 🌟
Today, OncoBLAZE had the privilege of participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for BlueSkyLabs, the cutting-edge startup space designed to empower innovative life sciences companies like ours. We're thrilled to call this incredible facility our home!
The event was a showcase of inspiration, with encouraging messages from esteemed leaders, including Medical Univ. of South Carolina (MUSC) Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Jesse Goodwin, MUSC President Dr. David Cole, and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashley Teasdel, who emphasized the importance of fostering innovation in the region.
A special highlight for our team was meeting Charleston Mayor William Cogswell Jr., a strong advocate for advancing technology and entrepreneurship in our city. Our CEO, Dr. Dieter Haemmerich, had the pleasure of connecting with Mayor Cogswell in person, a moment of great encouragement for our mission at OncoBLAZE.
We are honored to be part of this vibrant community and are excited to keep pushing boundaries in cancer recurrence prevention and life sciences innovation. Here's to a bright future at Blue Sky Labs! 💙✨
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The picture shows from right to left: Mayor William Cogswell Jr, CIO Jesse Goodwin, and our CEO Dieter Haemmerich.
OncoBLAZE Secures $374,000 NIH STTR Grant to Advance Novel Cancer Recurrence Prevention Technology
Charleston SC, November 19th 2024
OncoBLAZE LLC, an innovative academic startup founded out of the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and an Innosphere client company, has been awarded a $374,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is the second STTR Phase I grant the company has secured within its first year, having previously received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) earlier in 2024. This new funding will enable OncoBLAZE to conduct preclinical studies in rodent tumor models, further validating its cutting-edge cancer recurrence prevention technology.
OncoBLAZE’s platform combines thermo-sensitive liposomal nanoparticles with a precision laser heating device to deliver chemotherapy with pinpoint accuracy to residual cancer cells, aiming to prevent tumor recurrence. The preclinical studies funded by this grant will provide crucial data to support future clinical trials in human patients, potentially transforming cancer therapy by improving treatment precision and efficacy.
This award not only underscores the academic-industrial synergy that drives innovation in South Carolina’s biotech sector but also supports the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) goals of economic growth, job creation, and community engagement.
The infusion of NIH funding will enable OncoBLAZE to expand its team in Charleston, contributing to local economic growth and strengthening South Carolina’s position as an emerging hub in life sciences and biotechnology. The team’s work on cancer recurrence prevention technology is poised to have a lasting impact on both the region’s economy and the field of cancer treatment.
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“This NIH STTR grant enables us to rigorously test our precision drug delivery technology in several cancer types in preclinical models,” said Dr. Dieter Haemmerich, CEO of OncoBLAZE. “Our technology allows chemotherapy to be delivered with exceptional precision to residual cancer cells, reducing the risk of recurrence and potentially saving lives. This milestone brings us closer to translating this innovation to human patients, where the need for effective recurrence prevention therapies is critical.”
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Founded in 2023 in Charleston, SC, OncoBLAZE is dedicated to developing precision therapies aimed at preventing cancer recurrence. The company’s unique approach leverages the power of thermo-sensitive liposomal nanoparticles combined with a laser heating device to deliver chemotherapy directly to target cells, thus enhancing treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.
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Expected Impact of NIH Grant:
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$374K in NIH non-dilutive funding
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Growth of South Carolina’s biotech sector
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Enhanced collaboration with academic and industrial partners
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ment of OncoBLAZE’s technology toward clinical trials in humansAdvance
For More Information:
Prof. Dieter Haemmerich
CEO, OncoBLAZE
info@oncoblaze.com
www.oncoblaze.com
#OncoBLAZE #NSF #CancerResearch #Funding
OncoBLAZE Receives USPTO Approval for Trademark – Marking a New Milestone in Our Mission to Combat Cancer Recurrence!
Charleston SC, November 5th 2024​
🚀 Exciting News! 🚀
We are thrilled to announce that OncoBLAZE has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), officially recognizing OncoBLAZE as our registered trademark! This milestone solidifies our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions in cancer recurrence prevention and our unique approach to drug-device combinations.
A huge thank you to our entire team, partners, and supporters who have been pivotal in this journey. We’re excited to keep blazing new trails in healthcare and make a lasting impact on patients' lives.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push forward!
#OncoBLAZE #CancerPrevention #USPTO #Trademark
#HealthcareInnovation
NSF STTR Phase I grant awarded!
Charleston SC, September 1st 2024
OncoBLAZE, an academic startup out of the Medical University of South Carolina, has been awarded a Phase I STTR grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant will support their groundbreaking research and developing technology for precision chemotherapy delivery. The company aims to address the unmet need of preventing cancer recurrence after surgery, which affects millions of people globally each year. By leveraging thermo-sensitive liposomal nanoparticle drugs and precision heat sources, OncoBLAZE seeks to eliminate residual cancer cells post-surgery. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly limit the likelihood of cancer recurrence, and cure cancer patients who otherwise would require additional therapies that are less likely curative. This grant will enable OncoBLAZE to advance their successful preclinical studies with their patent-pending technology and represents a significant step forward in the fight against cancer recurrence. The anticipated outcome is a game-changing therapy that offers a cure to cancer patients who would otherwise experience cancer regrowth.
#OncoBLAZE #NSF #CancerResearch #Funding
OncoBLAZE is now a South Carolina Research Association Member Company
Charleston SC, April 15th 2024​
We are thrilled to share that OncoBLAZE has officially become a member company of the South Carolina Research Association (SCRA)! At OncoBLAZE, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of cancer research and technology to improve patient outcomes. Joining SCRA as a member company represents a significant milestone in our journey towards making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer. As a member of SCRA, we gain access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and collaborative opportunities that will further empower us to drive innovation and make meaningful advancements in cancer care. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of research and innovation in South Carolina. Thank you to SCRA for welcoming us into this esteemed community. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in cancer research and make a lasting impact on the lives of patients and their families.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting new chapter!
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#OncoBLAZE #SCRA #CancerResearch #InnovationInSC
Acceptance into the Innosphere Ventures Incubator Program
Charleston SC, March 6th 2024
We are thrilled to announce that OncoBLAZE has been selected to join the Innosphere Ventures Incubator Program! At OncoBLAZE, we are dedicated to revolutionizing cancer diagnostics and treatment through cutting-edge technology and innovation. Being accepted into the Innosphere Ventures Incubator Program marks a significant milestone in our journey towards making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer. As part of the Innosphere Ventures community, we will have access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that will accelerate our growth and propel us towards success. We are grateful for this opportunity and excited to collaborate with other like-minded entrepreneurs and industry experts. Stay tuned as we continue to advance our mission of transforming cancer care through groundbreaking solutions. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this incredible journey!
#OncoBLAZE #InnosphereVentures #CancerInnovation #StartupSuccess
