Boston Oncology & Immunotherapy Biotech Companies to Watch

Boston Oncology & Immunotherapy Biotech Companies to Watch

Boston biotech companies sit behind a large share of the oncology and immunotherapy programmes now moving through late-stage trials and regulatory review. The cluster puts academic cancer centres, platform biotechs and large pharma research hubs within a short drive of each other.

This guide profiles 26 Boston and Cambridge biotech companies working in oncology, immuno-oncology (IO), cell therapy and oncology diagnostics and tools. Each entry gives location, modality, lead programme and stage, and why it matters to IO and biomarker partners. Company facts were checked against company releases and SEC filings as of October 2026. Confirm current status before outreach.

Key takeaways

• Greater Boston’s oncology pipeline runs from first-in-human cell therapies to programmes under FDA review: Cullinan and Taiho’s zipalertinib has a PDUFA date of 27 February 2027, and Candel plans a BLA for aglatimagene in prostate cancer in Q4 2026.
• Moderna and Merck’s individualised neoantigen therapy, intismeran autogene, met its primary endpoint in the Phase 3 INTerpath-001 melanoma trial in August 2026.
• Consolidation continues: Sanofi now owns Blueprint Medicines, AbbVie owns ImmunoGen, BMS owns 2seventy bio, Quanterix owns Akoya Biosciences, and Roche has agreed to acquire PathAI.
• 2026 also brought setbacks: Foghorn and Lilly stopped FHD-909, and Werewolf is running a strategic review.
• Almost every company here is selection-biomarker driven (PIK3CA, MTAP, EGFR exon 20, KRAS, c-Met, IDH), creating steady demand for assays and CDx development.

The Boston and Cambridge oncology cluster at a glance

Massachusetts remains the densest biopharma research cluster in the US, although 2025 was a harder year. The 2026 MassBio Industry Snapshot reported 113,503 biopharma jobs in the state in 2025, down 3.1% and the first annual fall in more than two decades of tracking. Massachusetts still holds 22.3% of the country’s biopharma R&D workforce, second only to California.

• Kendall Square, Cambridge: the core of the cluster, home to Moderna, Relay, Cullinan and Obsidian, plus the Broad Institute and pharma research sites from Novartis, Takeda and AstraZeneca.
• Boston: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital, with Tango, Foundation Medicine and PathAI nearby.
• Route 128 and the western suburbs: Waltham, Lexington, Watertown, Needham and Newton host Agenus, Xilio, C4, Candel, Verastem, Karyopharm, Vizgen and Thermo Fisher.

For a calendar of where these teams meet, see our Boston biotech and life sciences events guide. For the West Coast equivalent of this list, see our profile of San Diego oncology and immunotherapy biotech companies.

Immuno-oncology and cell therapy developers

Agenus

Lexington-based Agenus is built around botensilimab, an Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4 antibody, combined with its anti-PD-1 balstilimab (BOT+BAL). The lead setting is microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancer. The first patient was enrolled in the global Phase 3 BATTMAN trial in refractory MSS/pMMR metastatic colorectal cancer in April 2026, and the company is planning a neoadjuvant Phase 3 trial (ROBBIN) in resectable MSS colon cancer, with first dosing expected in Q1 2027. BOT+BAL is not FDA-approved.

Why it matters: MSS colorectal cancer responses to BOT+BAL appear to depend on factors such as liver metastasis status, so patient selection and ctDNA-based monitoring are central.

Moderna

Moderna, headquartered in Cambridge, co-develops intismeran autogene (mRNA-4157/V940) with Merck. Each dose encodes neoantigens identified by sequencing the patient’s own tumour. In August 2026 the companies announced that the Phase 3 INTerpath-001 trial in high-risk resected melanoma met its primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival and the key secondary endpoint of distant metastasis-free survival at a prespecified interim analysis. Detailed data are still to be presented.

Why it matters: individualised therapies need fast tumour and normal sequencing, neoantigen prediction and T-cell response assays at scale.

Candel Therapeutics

Candel, based in Needham, develops off-the-shelf viral immunotherapies. Its lead, aglatimagene besadenovec (CAN-2409), is an adenovirus delivering a prodrug-activating gene, given with valacyclovir to provoke an in situ immune response. The Phase 3 trial in localised intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer met its disease-free survival primary endpoint and was published in The Lancet Oncology. The programme holds RMAT designation, and Candel’s Q2 2026 report reaffirmed a planned BLA submission in Q4 2026.

Why it matters: in situ vaccination works through local immune activation, creating demand for tissue immune profiling and biomarkers of systemic response.

Obsidian Therapeutics

Cambridge-based Obsidian became a Nasdaq-listed company (OBX) in August 2026 after a reverse merger with Galera Therapeutics. Its lead, OBX-115, is a tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy engineered with regulatable membrane-bound IL-15. At ASCO 2026 the company reported a 67% objective response rate at the recommended Phase 2 dose (10 of 15 patients) in checkpoint-refractory melanoma. OBX-115 holds Fast Track and RMAT designations, and Obsidian expects registration-enabling melanoma data by the end of 2027.

Why it matters: TIL products need product characterisation, persistence tracking and T-cell clonotype analysis.

Xilio Therapeutics

Waltham-based Xilio makes biologics masked in circulation and unmasked by tumour proteases. Its masked IL-12, efarindodekin alfa, is in a Phase 2 monotherapy trial, with an option data package due to Gilead in the first half of 2027. Xilio’s masked anti-CTLA-4, vilastobart, has reported activity in MSS colorectal cancer using plasma tumour mutational burden as a predictive biomarker.

Why it matters: masking depends on tumour protease activity, and the vilastobart data lean on blood-based TMB. Both are concrete assay and liquid biopsy opportunities.

Werewolf Therapeutics

Watertown-based Werewolf develops INDUKINE molecules, cytokines that are activated only in the tumour. WTX-124, its conditionally activated IL-2, holds FDA Fast Track designation in advanced cutaneous melanoma and has reported monotherapy responses in post-checkpoint melanoma. The company’s Q2 2026 report described a strategic review run with an investment bank and a going-concern warning, so its future structure may change.

Why it matters: cytokine programmes need pharmacodynamic biomarkers that prove tumour-selective activation. Watch the strategic review outcome.

Dragonfly Therapeutics

Dragonfly, a private company in Waltham, builds TriNKET multispecifics that engage NK cells and T cells, plus engineered cytokines. Its HER2-targeting TriNKET DF1001 entered Phase 2 in December 2022, and its engineered IL-2, DF6215, entered Phase 1/1b in December 2023. As a private company it discloses less, so check current status directly.

Why it matters: NK cell engagers need innate immune profiling and target-expression assays (HER2 across tumour types).

Targeted and precision oncology developers

Relay Therapeutics

Relay, in Cambridge, uses computational and structural approaches to target protein motion. Its lead, zovegalisib (RLY-2608), is a mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor. The global Phase 3 ReDiscover-2 trial, started in 2025, compares zovegalisib plus fulvestrant with capivasertib plus fulvestrant in PI3Kα-mutated HR+/HER2- breast cancer after CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for this combination in February 2026.

Why it matters: enrolment depends on PIK3CA mutation testing, often by liquid biopsy, so tissue and ctDNA genotyping partners are directly relevant.

Tango Therapeutics

Boston-based Tango discovers synthetic-lethal targets. Its lead, vopimetostat, is an MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor for MTAP-deleted cancers. In its Q2 2026 report, Tango described early Phase 1/2 data for vopimetostat combined with daraxonrasib in MTAP-deleted, RAS-mutant pancreatic cancer and said it is now defining a registrational path in first-line pancreatic cancer.

Why it matters: MTAP deletion is not covered consistently by every NGS panel, and IHC for MTAP loss is an alternative. That gap is an opening for CDx and assay developers.

Verastem Oncology

Verastem, in Needham, received FDA accelerated approval in May 2025 for the Avmapki Fakzynja Co-pack (avutometinib plus defactinib) in KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer. The confirmatory Phase 3 RAMP 301 trial, which aims to cover recurrent LGSOC regardless of KRAS status, is fully enrolled, with topline data expected in mid-2027. A KRAS G12D inhibitor, VS-7375, entered a registration-directed Phase 2 trial in June 2026.

Why it matters: a KRAS-defined label, a KRAS-agnostic confirmatory trial and a G12D-specific follow-on mean RAS genotyping sits at the centre of the commercial strategy.

Cullinan Therapeutics

Cambridge-based Cullinan co-develops zipalertinib with Taiho for NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertions. The FDA accepted the NDA for patients who progressed after platinum chemotherapy in April 2026, with a PDUFA date of 27 February 2027. The first-line Phase 3 REZILIENT3 trial with chemotherapy has also shown a significant progression-free survival benefit.

Why it matters: exon 20 insertions are heterogeneous and are missed by some PCR assays, so NGS-based companion diagnostic strategy is a real question for launch.

C4 Therapeutics

C4, in Watertown, develops targeted protein degraders. Cemsidomide, an IKZF1/3 degrader, is in the Phase 2 MOMENTUM trial in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and in a Phase 1b combination with elranatamab, with both readouts expected in 2027.

Why it matters: degraders need target-engagement and degradation assays, and myeloma trials rely on MRD measurement, a natural fit for flow cytometry and sequencing-based MRD providers.

Karyopharm Therapeutics

Karyopharm, based in Newton, markets selinexor (Xpovio), an XPO1 inhibitor approved in multiple myeloma and DLBCL. In March 2026 its Phase 3 SENTRY trial of selinexor plus ruxolitinib in frontline myelofibrosis met the spleen volume co-primary endpoint but missed the symptom score co-primary endpoint. A Phase 3 trial in endometrial cancer is fully enrolled.

Why it matters: the endometrial programme is TP53 wild-type selected, so TP53 testing standards and CDx work are directly relevant.

Pharma-owned units and large pharma oncology hubs

Blueprint Medicines (Sanofi)

Sanofi completed its acquisition of Cambridge-based Blueprint Medicines in July 2025. Blueprint’s Ayvakit (avapritinib) is approved in advanced and indolent systemic mastocytosis. Why it matters: KIT D816V testing with sensitive methods such as ddPCR is part of the diagnostic pathway.

ImmunoGen (AbbVie)

AbbVie closed its acquisition of Waltham-based ImmunoGen in February 2024, gaining Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine) for folate receptor alpha-positive ovarian cancer. In May 2025 AbbVie’s own ADC Emrelis (telisotuzumab vedotin) received accelerated approval for non-squamous NSCLC with high c-Met protein overexpression. Why it matters: both products are selected by IHC protein expression scoring, where digital pathology and quantitative IHC vendors add most value. See our guide to ADC and immunotherapy patient selection.

2seventy bio (Bristol Myers Squibb)

BMS completed its acquisition of Cambridge-based 2seventy bio in May 2025, taking full control of Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel), the BCMA-directed CAR-T for multiple myeloma. Why it matters: CAR-T programmes need cellular kinetics, MRD and toxicity biomarkers.

Takeda

Takeda is the largest biopharma employer in Massachusetts according to MassBio, with its US base and much of its R&D in Cambridge. Its oncology pipeline gained IBI363 (PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific) and IBI343 (claudin 18.2 ADC) through an Innovent Biologics partnership that closed in late 2025. Why it matters: a next-generation IO backbone and a CLDN18.2 ADC both need patient-selection and pharmacodynamic biomarker strategies at global scale.

AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca’s new strategic R&D centre and Alexion headquarters at 290 Binney Street in Kendall Square includes laboratory space for oncology, rare disease and cell therapy research. Why it matters: a top oncology developer is concentrating its local teams a short walk from most companies on this list.

Novartis Biomedical Research

Novartis runs its global research organisation, Novartis Biomedical Research, from Cambridge, including its oncology target discovery and targeted protein degradation work. Why it matters: discovery teams buy functional genomics, models and translational services long before the clinic.

Servier Pharmaceuticals

French group Servier runs its US business from Boston. Voranigo (vorasidenib), approved by the FDA in August 2024 for Grade 2 astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma with an IDH1 or IDH2 mutation, was the first targeted therapy for this disease. Why it matters: IDH mutation testing in glioma, and potentially by liquid biopsy, is the gateway to treatment.

Oncology diagnostics, data and tools companies

Foundation Medicine (Roche)

Boston-based Foundation Medicine, part of Roche, runs FoundationOne CDx (tissue) and FoundationOne Liquid CDx (blood), FDA-approved comprehensive genomic profiling tests with companion diagnostic claims across many targeted and immuno-oncology therapies, including tissue MSI-H for pembrolizumab. Why it matters: Foundation is often the CDx partner of choice for Boston biotechs.

PathAI

PathAI, headquartered in Boston, develops AI-powered pathology, including its AISight image management platform and algorithms for biopharma trials and clinical labs. Roche announced a definitive agreement to acquire PathAI in May 2026, with closing expected in the second half of 2026; the companies already worked together on AI-enabled companion diagnostic algorithms. Why it matters: AI scoring of IHC biomarkers such as PD-L1, HER2 and c-Met is becoming part of CDx development. Our piece on digital pathology biomarker validation covers the evidence requirements.

Quanterix (including Akoya Biosciences)

Quanterix, in Billerica, completed its acquisition of Akoya Biosciences in July 2025, combining Simoa ultrasensitive blood immunoassays with Akoya’s PhenoCycler and PhenoImager spatial proteomics platforms. Why it matters: the combined company covers blood and tissue protein biomarkers, a common pairing in IO translational studies.

Vizgen

Vizgen, headquartered in Waltham, makes the MERSCOPE spatial transcriptomics platform based on MERFISH. Why it matters: single-cell resolution maps of the tumour immune microenvironment support mechanism-of-action and resistance studies for IO developers.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher, headquartered in Waltham, received FDA approval in July 2025 for the Oncomine Dx Express Test on the Genexus Dx sequencer as a companion diagnostic for sunvozertinib in EGFR exon 20 insertion NSCLC. Why it matters: fast, decentralised NGS changes how biotechs think about CDx partners for targeted therapies.

Charles River Laboratories

Charles River, headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, provides discovery, in vivo pharmacology and safety services, including oncology models. Why it matters: for many of the developers above, preclinical biomarker work starts with CRO model data, making CROs both partners and competitors for biomarker service providers.

Using this list as a prospect list

• Late-stage and regulatory teams (Cullinan, Candel, Moderna, Relay, Verastem): CDx strategy, bridging studies and launch-ready testing access. See our guide to the FDA companion diagnostic approval process.
• Translational IO teams (Agenus, Xilio, Werewolf, Dragonfly, Obsidian): immune monitoring, spatial biology, ctDNA and pharmacodynamic assays.
• Cell therapy groups (Obsidian, BMS, AstraZeneca): product characterisation, persistence and toxicity biomarkers.
• Diagnostics and tools companies: co-development and channel partnerships rather than straight selling.
• Check status first. Werewolf’s strategic review, Foghorn and Lilly’s decision in October 2026 to stop FHD-909, and the pending Roche-PathAI deal show how quickly buying groups change.

FAQs

Which oncology biotech companies are based in Boston and Cambridge?

Examples include Moderna, Relay Therapeutics, Cullinan Therapeutics and Obsidian Therapeutics in Cambridge; Tango Therapeutics, Foundation Medicine and PathAI in Boston; and Agenus, Xilio, Werewolf, C4 Therapeutics, Candel, Verastem and Karyopharm along the Route 128 corridor.

Which Boston-area oncology programmes are close to FDA decisions?

Cullinan and Taiho’s zipalertinib for EGFR exon 20 insertion NSCLC has a PDUFA date of 27 February 2027. Candel plans to submit a BLA for aglatimagene besadenovec in localised prostate cancer in Q4 2026. Moderna and Merck plan to discuss filings for intismeran autogene after a positive Phase 3 result in melanoma.

Which Boston oncology biotechs have been acquired recently?

Sanofi acquired Blueprint Medicines (July 2025), Bristol Myers Squibb acquired 2seventy bio (May 2025), AbbVie acquired ImmunoGen (February 2024) and Quanterix acquired Akoya Biosciences (July 2025). Roche agreed to acquire PathAI in May 2026, with closing expected in the second half of 2026.

Where can vendors meet Boston oncology biotech teams?

Boston hosts several oncology and biotech meetings each year. ImmunoMark Summit Boston, the East Coast Edition in June 2027, brings together immuno-oncology and biomarker leaders with two parallel streams and pre-arranged 1:1 meetings.

Meet them in June: ImmunoMark Boston

ImmunoMark Summit’s East Coast Edition comes to Boston in June 2027 for 300+ senior pharma, biotech and diagnostics leaders. It runs two parallel streams, Next-Gen Immuno-Oncology and Biomarkers & Companion Diagnostics, with keynotes, panels, case studies, pre-arranged 1:1 meetings and a Day 1 drinks reception. It is the immuno-oncology conference Boston teams can attend without leaving the cluster.

Register for ImmunoMark Boston

If your company wants to meet this audience, see the Boston sponsorship opportunities or our overview of oncology conference sponsorship.