Virotherapy Translational Working Group

The Virotherapy Translational Working Group (TWG) was launched in 2025 as a new initiative within the cancer center designed to accelerate the path from discovery to patient care.

The goal of this TWG will be to establish a unified, collaborative platform that advances the development and clinical translation of both oncolytic viruses and virus-based anticancer vaccines. With expertise in viral vector engineering, preclinical model development, IND preparation, FDA engagement, and clinical trial design, and the support of a highly skilled and collaborative community at UMN, the overall aim of this TWG is to build an institution-wide program that accelerates viral immunotherapy research for cancer patients, from bench to bedside.

Focus areas will include:

• Oncolytic Viruses for Cancer
  
• Virus-based anticancer Vaccines
• Establishing UMN as a center for preclinical testing of virus-based therapeutics
• Building a Strong Federally Funded Research Program

Co-Leaders: 
Julia Davydova, MD, PhD and Christopher LaRocca, MD

Administrative Contact: 
Kelly Tourand ([email protected])

Meeting Time: 
Details coming soon.