Top San Diego Oncology & Immunotherapy Biotech Companies: A Partner’s Guide

Top San Diego Oncology & Immunotherapy Biotech Companies: A Partner’s Guide

San Diego biotech companies have produced some of the most important oncology assets of the past decade, and several of the region’s best-known names now sit inside big pharma. For anyone selling biomarker services, diagnostics, spatial biology, sequencing, CRO capacity or cell therapy analytics, the region is also one of the densest oncology prospect lists in the world.

This guide profiles 24 San Diego-area companies working in oncology, immuno-oncology (IO), cell therapy and oncology diagnostics and tools. For each one we give the headquarters or San Diego site, the modality, the lead oncology programme or product and its stage, and why it matters to IO and biomarker partners. Company facts were checked against company releases, SEC filings and FDA-related announcements as of October 2026. Pipelines move quickly, so confirm the latest status before you reach out.

Key takeaways

• San Diego’s oncology base spans approved products (Kura Oncology’s Komzifti, ImmunityBio’s Anktiva), late-stage assets (Inhibrx’s ozekibart, with an FDA goal date of 14 April 2027) and a deep bench of early clinical IO and precision oncology programmes.
• Acquisitions have reshaped the cluster: Mirati, Turning Point and RayzeBio are now part of Bristol Myers Squibb, Poseida is part of Roche, Ambrx is part of Johnson & Johnson and Vividion is part of Bayer.
• Nearly every therapeutic on this list is tied to a selection biomarker (NPM1, FGFR3, Cyclin E1, KRAS, PSMA, SSTR, HER2, MSI), which makes the region a natural market for CDx, assay and translational partners.
• The tools side is just as strong: Illumina, Element Biosciences, Singular Genomics, Bionano and Arima Genomics all build sequencing or genome analysis platforms used in oncology.
• Janux Therapeutics, ImmunityBio and Onchilles Pharma have speakers on the ImmunoMark San Diego agenda (10–11 February 2027).

The San Diego oncology cluster at a glance

Most of San Diego’s life science companies sit in three neighbouring districts north of downtown: Torrey Pines, University Town Center (UTC) and Sorrento Mesa, with a second cluster up the coast in Carlsbad. Within a short drive you will find:

• Research institutes: the Salk Institute, Scripps Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys and the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, alongside UC San Diego.
• Cancer care: UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, San Diego’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
• Genomics heritage: Illumina is headquartered in San Diego, and a cluster of sequencing and genome analysis companies has grown up around it.
• Big pharma research sites: Pfizer’s La Jolla campus houses an Oncology Research Unit, and Bristol Myers Squibb, Roche, Johnson & Johnson and Bayer all own San Diego oncology companies.

For a calendar of meetings in the region, see our San Diego biotech and life science events guide.

Immuno-oncology and cell therapy developers

Janux Therapeutics

Janux builds tumour-activated T cell engagers that stay masked in circulation and are unmasked by tumour proteases. JANX007 targets PSMA and is in Phase 1b in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, including a darolutamide combination cohort. Interim data in December 2025 showed partial responses in 30% (8/27) of RECIST-evaluable patients, and the company expects more data in the first half of 2027. It discontinued EGFR-targeted JANX008 after Phase 1a. Why it matters: masked engagers raise questions about where and when the mask is cleaved, which creates demand for tissue, protease and PK/PD biomarker work.

ImmunityBio

ImmunityBio’s principal executive offices are in San Diego. Its IL-15 superagonist Anktiva (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept) was approved by the FDA in April 2024 with BCG for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ. In early 2026 it gained conditional marketing authorisation from the European Commission and a conditional approval in Saudi Arabia in combination with checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic NSCLC. The company reported 2025 net product revenue of $113 million. Why it matters: a commercial-stage IO company expanding into new indications needs immune monitoring, real-world evidence and label-expansion biomarker support.

Fate Therapeutics

Fate develops off-the-shelf cell therapies from clonal induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. In oncology, FT825/ONO-8250 (a HER2-targeted CAR T developed with Ono) is in Phase 1 in advanced solid tumours, dosed alone and with an EGFR-targeted antibody, and FT836 (a MICA/B-targeted CAR T designed to be given without conditioning chemotherapy) is in Phase 1. The company has said it plans to update on FT836 patients in the second half of 2026. Why it matters: iPSC platforms need persistence, trafficking and target-expression assays, plus manufacturing analytics.

Inhibrx Biosciences

Inhibrx Biosciences was spun out in 2024 when Sanofi acquired Inhibrx’s AATD programme. Its lead asset, ozekibart (INBRX-109), is a tetravalent DR5 agonist antibody. In the randomised, placebo-controlled ChonDRAgon trial in conventional chondrosarcoma it cut the risk of progression or death by 52% (HR 0.479; median PFS 5.52 vs 2.66 months). The FDA accepted the BLA in June 2026 with a PDUFA goal date of 14 April 2027. Why it matters: a likely first commercial launch in a rare sarcoma, with follow-on work in other tumour types.

Onchilles Pharma

Onchilles is built on research showing that neutrophil elastase (ELANE) can kill many cancer cell types while sparing non-cancer cells. The FDA cleared the IND for N17350 in February 2026, and the company dosed the first patient in a Phase 1/2 trial in advanced solid tumours in June 2026. The trial is designed to assess safety, dose, anti-tumour activity and biomarkers of immune activation. Why it matters: an innate-immunity mechanism entering the clinic with immune-activation biomarkers built into the trial.

Targeted and precision oncology developers

Kura Oncology

The FDA approved Komzifti (ziftomenib), developed with Kyowa Kirin, on 13 November 2025 for adults with relapsed or refractory AML with a susceptible NPM1 mutation and no satisfactory alternative treatment. It is a once-daily menin inhibitor, and the partners are running two global Phase 3 trials in the frontline setting. Why it matters: the label depends on NPM1 mutation status, so molecular testing, MRD and haematology lab partners are central to its growth.

Erasca

Erasca has concentrated on its RAS franchise. ERAS-0015 is a pan-RAS molecular glue in Phase 1, and the company has reported activity in previously treated KRAS G12X pancreatic cancer. Company guidance points to a potentially registration-enabling lung cancer trial in the first half of 2027 and a Phase 3 trial in pancreatic cancer in 2027. In 2025 Erasca said it would seek a partner for naporafenib, which is in Phase 3 in NRAS-mutant melanoma. Why it matters: RAS-mutant patient selection and ctDNA monitoring are core to every programme.

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals

Zentalis is developing azenosertib, a WEE1 inhibitor, in Cyclin E1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Enrolment is complete in Parts 2a and 2b of the DENALI trial, with a topline readout now expected in the first half of 2027 to support a potential accelerated approval. The ASPENOVA Phase 3 trial compares azenosertib with standard chemotherapy in the same Cyclin E1-positive population. Why it matters: Cyclin E1 is a protein biomarker, so IHC assay development and CDx co-development are on the critical path.

Tyra Biosciences

Carlsbad-based Tyra designs selective FGFR inhibitors. Dabogratinib (formerly TYRA-300) is an FGFR3-selective inhibitor in the Phase 2 SURF302 trial in FGFR3-altered low-grade, intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Initial results in September 2026 showed a three-month complete response rate of 57% at 60 mg once daily (n=14). A second Phase 2 trial, SURF303, is in low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer, and the company is also developing dabogratinib in achondroplasia. Why it matters: FGFR3 testing in early bladder cancer, including urine-based approaches, is still being worked out.

Halozyme Therapeutics

Halozyme’s ENHANZE technology (recombinant human hyaluronidase) enables subcutaneous dosing of partner biologics. Oncology products using it include Roche’s Tecentriq Hybreza (FDA approved September 2024) and Bristol Myers Squibb’s Opdivo Qvantig (approved December 2024), the first subcutaneous PD-L1 and PD-1 inhibitors approved in the US. Halozyme reported 2025 revenue of $1.4 billion, largely royalties. Why it matters: subcutaneous checkpoint inhibitors change where and how IO is given, with knock-on effects for PK sampling, trial logistics and real-world data.

Pharma-owned San Diego oncology units

Several of San Diego’s biggest oncology stories ended in acquisitions. These teams are now inside large companies, but much of the science, and many of the people, are still local.

Mirati and Turning Point (Bristol Myers Squibb)

BMS completed its acquisition of Mirati in January 2024, adding Krazati (adagrasib) for KRAS G12C-mutated cancers and an MTA-cooperative PRMT5 inhibitor, which targets MTAP-deleted tumours. Two years earlier, in August 2022, BMS bought Turning Point, whose repotrectinib was approved as Augtyro for ROS1-positive NSCLC in November 2023 and later received a tumour-agnostic approval for NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours. Why it matters: KRAS, MTAP, ROS1 and NTRK are all molecularly defined, so testing access drives use.

RayzeBio (Bristol Myers Squibb)

RayzeBio became a wholly owned BMS subsidiary in 2024. Its lead asset, RYZ101, is an actinium-225 somatostatin receptor therapy being studied in the Phase 1b/3 ACTION-1 trial in SSTR-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours that progressed after lutetium-177 therapy. Why it matters: radioligand programmes depend on target imaging, dosimetry and isotope supply chains, which are all partnership opportunities.

Poseida Therapeutics (Roche)

Roche completed its acquisition of Poseida in January 2025, taking full ownership of its non-viral, allogeneic CAR T platform. The lead oncology candidate, P-BCMA-ALLO1, is in Phase 1 in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma and has FDA RMAT designation. Why it matters: allogeneic CAR T developers need persistence, host-versus-graft and MRD measurements.

Ambrx (Johnson & Johnson)

J&J completed its acquisition of La Jolla-based Ambrx on 7 March 2024, mainly for ARX517, a PSMA-targeted ADC made with site-specific conjugation. At the time of the deal it was in the Phase 1/2 APEX-01 study in advanced prostate cancer. Why it matters: PSMA is targeted by radioligands, T cell engagers (including Janux’s) and ADCs, so PSMA expression and heterogeneity assays have a broad market.

Vividion Therapeutics (Bayer)

Bayer acquired Vividion in 2021, and it runs as an independently operated subsidiary from a San Diego headquarters and R&D centre opened in 2024. Its chemoproteomics platform finds druggable pockets on hard targets. Clinical-stage oncology programmes include VVD-159642, a RAS–PI3Kα inhibitor, and a WRN helicase inhibitor for microsatellite-instability-high tumours. Why it matters: MSI and RAS pathway selection create clear CDx and patient-finding needs.

Pfizer La Jolla

Pfizer’s La Jolla campus has been linked by the company to Ibrance and Xalkori, and it houses an Oncology Research Unit. Why it matters: a large in-house oncology research group that buys translational tools and services.

Oncology diagnostics, genomics and tools companies

Illumina

Illumina’s TruSight Oncology Comprehensive was approved by the FDA in August 2024 as a distributable comprehensive genomic profiling kit. It covers more than 500 genes and carries companion diagnostic claims for NTRK fusion-positive solid tumours (Vitrakvi) and RET fusion-positive NSCLC (Retevmo). Why it matters: an in-house CGP kit lets hospital labs run CDx-grade testing, which changes how pharma plans patient finding.

Element Biosciences

Founded in San Diego in 2017, Element sells the AVITI family of sequencers. AVITI24 pairs sequencing with in-sample cytoprofiling, and the company has launched curated panels for human immuno-oncology. Its January 2026 investor materials describe oncology as a partnership focus and a route towards FDA approval through a collaboration with Revvity. Why it matters: a challenger platform that IO teams are testing for combined RNA and protein readouts.

Singular Genomics

Singular Genomics went private in February 2025 after an affiliate of Deerfield Management acquired it. Its G4X Spatial Sequencer performs in situ sequencing of RNA, targeted transcriptomics and protein profiling on FFPE tissue. Why it matters: spatial readouts on archival tumour tissue are central to IO biomarker discovery. See our spatial proteomics vs spatial transcriptomics guide.

Bionano

Bionano’s optical genome mapping (OGM) detects structural variants that karyotyping and FISH can miss. It has a Category I CPT code for haematological malignancies, and an April 2026 American Journal of Hematology study from Johns Hopkins and MD Anderson supported OGM in multiple myeloma. Why it matters: structural variant detection is moving into haematology trial enrolment and diagnostics.

Arima Genomics

Carlsbad-based Arima applies Hi-C (3D genome) sequencing to cancer. Aventa FusionPlus detects fusions and rearrangements across 361 genes in FFPE solid tumour tissue, and Aventa Lymphoma, launched broadly in September 2025, covers 417 genes in B- and T-cell lymphomas. Why it matters: it finds actionable fusions that standard panels can miss, which matters for fusion-targeted drug programmes.

Veracyte (Decipher)

Veracyte is based in South San Francisco, but it bought San Diego-based Decipher Biosciences in March 2021 and its urology team still runs San Diego operations. The Decipher Prostate genomic classifier is offered as a CLIA-validated lab-developed test. Why it matters: a whole-transcriptome prostate database is valuable for biomarker and trial-stratification collaborations.

Crown Bioscience

San Diego-headquartered Crown Bioscience is an oncology-focused CRO known for its patient-derived xenograft (PDX) collection and translational services. In November 2025 JSR Life Sciences agreed to transfer Crown Bioscience to Adicon Holdings, with closing expected in mid-2026. Why it matters: preclinical models and biomarker services sit upstream of most of the developers above.

Using this list as a prospect list

If you sell into oncology R&D, the companies above fall into a few clear buying groups:

• CDx and assay partners: Kura (NPM1), Zentalis (Cyclin E1), Tyra (FGFR3), Erasca (RAS) and Vividion (MSI, RAS) all have selection biomarkers at the heart of their programmes. Our FDA companion diagnostic approval guide covers the regulatory path.
• Immune monitoring and spatial biology: Janux, ImmunityBio, Onchilles and Inhibrx need tissue and blood readouts of immune activation and target engagement.
• Cell therapy analytics: Fate and Poseida (Roche) need persistence, potency and manufacturing assays. See our CAR-T biomarker analysis.
• Radiopharma and ADC support: RayzeBio and Ambrx need target-expression, imaging and dosimetry partners.
• Platform partnerships: Illumina, Element, Singular, Bionano and Arima work with pharma, CROs and labs, which suits co-marketing and data partnerships.

Many of these teams are small, so a well-targeted face-to-face meeting often does more than a cold email. Our guide on how to choose biotech conferences to sponsor explains how to match events to buyer lists like this one, and our San Diego medical conferences sponsorship page shows how ImmunoMark fits.

San Diego companies on the ImmunoMark agenda

Three companies from this list have speakers on the published ImmunoMark San Diego 2027 agenda:

• Janux Therapeutics: Gregory J Opiteck, Head of Translational Medicine – Vice President.
• ImmunityBio, Inc.: Ferdous Anower E Khuda, Director, Cell Therapy Product Development.
• Onchilles Pharma: Ravindra Gujar, Senior Scientist, Immuno-oncology.

The agenda also includes speakers from Pfizer, Genentech, Amgen, Gilead Sciences, Johnson & Johnson, Regeneron, Xencor and Carlsbad-based Ionis Pharmaceuticals, among others, across the Immuno-Oncology and Biomarkers, Companion Diagnostics & Precision Medicine streams.

FAQs

Which oncology biotech companies are headquartered in San Diego?

San Diego-area oncology companies include Janux Therapeutics, ImmunityBio, Fate Therapeutics, Inhibrx Biosciences, Onchilles Pharma, Kura Oncology, Erasca, Zentalis Pharmaceuticals, Halozyme and, in Carlsbad, Tyra Biosciences. Diagnostics and tools companies include Illumina, Element Biosciences, Singular Genomics, Bionano, Arima Genomics and Crown Bioscience.

Which San Diego oncology companies have approved products?

Kura Oncology’s Komzifti (ziftomenib) was approved in November 2025 for relapsed or refractory NPM1-mutated AML, and ImmunityBio’s Anktiva was approved in April 2024 for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Halozyme’s ENHANZE technology is used in approved subcutaneous oncology drugs, and Krazati and Augtyro came from San Diego companies now owned by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Which San Diego oncology biotechs have been acquired recently?

Bristol Myers Squibb acquired Turning Point (2022), Mirati (2024) and RayzeBio (2024). Johnson & Johnson acquired Ambrx (2024), Roche acquired Poseida (2025) and Bayer acquired Vividion (2021). Singular Genomics was taken private by a Deerfield affiliate in 2025.

Where can vendors meet San Diego oncology biotech teams?

ImmunoMark Summit San Diego on 10–11 February 2027 brings together immuno-oncology, biomarker and companion diagnostics leaders, with two parallel streams and pre-arranged 1:1 meetings for sponsors.

Meet them in person: ImmunoMark San Diego, 10–11 Feb 2027

The immuno-oncology conference in San Diego is the West Coast launch edition of ImmunoMark Summit: two days for 300+ senior pharma, biotech and diagnostics people, with two parallel streams (Next-Gen Immuno-Oncology and Biomarkers & Companion Diagnostics), keynotes, panels, case studies, pre-arranged 1:1 meetings and a Day 1 drinks reception.

Register for ImmunoMark San Diego

If your company wants to meet this audience, see the San Diego sponsorship opportunities or our companion diagnostics conference in San Diego page.