Bioengineering
Onco-switch: Electrochemical Induction of Immunogenic Cell Death
ETH
Executive Summary: ONCO-SWITCH is a next-generation bioelectronic platform designed to eliminate solid tumors by activating the body’s own immune system through physics, not chemistry. The project addresses the critical failure of current immunotherapies (like Checkpoint Inhibitors and CAR-T) which often struggle with high toxicity, prohibitive costs ($400k+ per patient), and the "cold" immunosuppressive environment of solid tumors. The Technology: At the core of ONCO-SWITCH is the Teplov Onco-Gen—a precision electrochemical signal generator coupled with a multi-needle intratumoral electrode array. Unlike standard ablation (which simply burns tissue), ONCO-SWITCH delivers specific, low-energy oscillating electrical signals (2-100 kHz) tailored to the impedance profile of malignant cells. Key Innovation: Electrochemical ICD Induction The system triggers Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) by: Electrochemical Gradient Disruption: Forcing the release of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs), specifically Calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1. In-Situ Vaccination: This biochemical "flare" marks the tumor for the immune system. The tumor itself becomes the source of antigens, leading to the recruitment of cytotoxic T-cells. The Abscopal Effect: Once activated, the immune system identifies and attacks metastatic clusters throughout the body, providing systemic protection from a localized treatment. Strategic Advantages: Non-Genetic Strategy: No DNA modification required, significantly lowering the regulatory barrier (FDA Class II pathway) and eliminating "off-target" genetic risks. Cost-Efficiency: The hardware-based approach reduces the cost per treatment by 90% compared to personalized cell therapies. Hardware IP: Protected by international PCT filings covering both the therapeutic signal protocols and the specialized electrode geometry. Project Status: The technology is currently in the late-prototype stage. All bio-electrical parameters and safety interlocks have been simulated and documented in the Patent Application (March 2026). Molecule Labs funding will be directed toward GLP-compliant biocompatibility studies and final hardware refinement for clinical trials.
See moreOwned by
0x26F14…87cee
Contract:
0x7E5c5…e36a2
Project Progress
Timeline
Loading...
Project Details
Executive Summary: ONCO-SWITCH is a next-generation bioelectronic platform designed to eliminate solid tumors by activating the body’s own immune system through physics, not chemistry. The project addresses the critical failure of current immunotherapies (like Checkpoint Inhibitors and CAR-T) which often struggle with high toxicity, prohibitive costs ($400k+ per patient), and the "cold" immunosuppressive environment of solid tumors.
The Technology: At the core of ONCO-SWITCH is the Teplov Onco-Gen—a precision electrochemical signal generator coupled with a multi-needle intratumoral electrode array. Unlike standard ablation (which simply burns tissue), ONCO-SWITCH delivers specific, low-energy oscillating electrical signals (2-100 kHz) tailored to the impedance profile of malignant cells.
Key Innovation: Electrochemical ICD Induction The system triggers Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) by:
Electrochemical Gradient Disruption: Forcing the release of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs), specifically Calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1.
In-Situ Vaccination: This biochemical "flare" marks the tumor for the immune system. The tumor itself becomes the source of antigens, leading to the recruitment of cytotoxic T-cells.
The Abscopal Effect: Once activated, the immune system identifies and attacks metastatic clusters throughout the body, providing systemic protection from a localized treatment.
Strategic Advantages:
Non-Genetic Strategy: No DNA modification required, significantly lowering the regulatory barrier (FDA Class II pathway) and eliminating "off-target" genetic risks.
Cost-Efficiency: The hardware-based approach reduces the cost per treatment by 90% compared to personalized cell therapies.
Hardware IP: Protected by international PCT filings covering both the therapeutic signal protocols and the specialized electrode geometry.
Project Status: The technology is currently in the late-prototype stage. All bio-electrical parameters and safety interlocks have been simulated and documented in the Patent Application (March 2026). Molecule Labs funding will be directed toward GLP-compliant biocompatibility studies and final hardware refinement for clinical trials.