DiveRadGel is a biotechnology startup spun out from Asahi Kasei that develops innovative cancer immunotherapies using its proprietary Sonanos hyaluronic acid nanogel drug delivery system.
DiveRadGel Co., Ltd. is a Japan-based biotechnology startup that originated as a spin-out venture from Asahi Kasei in June 2024. The company focuses on the development of novel cancer immunotherapies using its proprietary drug delivery system (DDS) platform known as Sonanos, a hyaluronic acid nanogel. This technology allows for the encapsulation and efficient delivery of various therapeutic agents, including small molecules, peptides, and proteins, directly to lymph nodes for improved uptake by antigen-presenting cells, particularly cDC1 cells. By utilizing these nanogels, the company aims to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and safety profile of cancer treatments, including off-the-shelf cancer vaccines.
For patients and healthcare providers, DiveRadGel’s work represents a commitment to providing new therapeutic options for hard-to-treat tumors. The company is actively engaged in collaborative research, such as its partnership with Niigata University to develop vaccines based on shared neoantigens, and is participating in international programs like LINK-J’s UNIKORN to expand its presence in the UK and European markets. Through these initiatives, DiveRadGel seeks to advance its technology from preclinical studies toward clinical trials, ultimately aiming to improve cancer immunotherapy outcomes through its innovative nanogel-based drug delivery approach.