World-first virus therapy for esophageal cancer debuts in Japan

PharmaceuticalsOncolys' new drug offers alternative treatmentA researcher at Oncolys BioPharma works at the company's laboratory. (Oncolys BioPharma)HINAKO BANNOAugust 22, 2026 06:35 JSTTOKYO -- Genetically modified viruses are emerging as a viable cancer treatment, with what is billed as the world's first oncolytic virus therapy for esophageal cancer commercially launching in Japan on Friday.Read NextHealth CareTakeda aims for dengue vaccine inclusion in India's shots programOpinionAI can help predict the next pandemicOpinionNo longer an island: Japan's drug pricing has global consequencesHealth CareJapan's Olympus envisions robot-assisted future for endoscopyPharmaceuticalsTakeda and Insilico strike AI-led drug discovery deal worth up to $600mLatest on PharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticalsTrump