Voyant Bio
Unlocking Human Translatability for Cancer Immunotherapy
Voyant is building the world’s first causal, functional spatial intelligence atlas of human anti-tumor immunity — enabling durable immunotherapies that mouse-first approaches systematically miss.
The Problem: IO Decisions Are Based on Poorly Predictive Assays
Immune-oncology therapies succeed in humans not because of single immune cell states, but because of how immune cells are organized and interact within the tumor microenvironment.
Immune “Triads” Are the Key to Effective Anti-Tumor Immunity
Spatial profiling of human tumors and mechanistic validation in vivo show that response to PD-1 blockade, for example, depends on organized immune triads, composed of:
Mature dendritic cells
CXCL13⁺ CD4⁺ helper T cells
Progenitor PD-1⁺ CD8⁺ T cells
Standard in-vitro co-culture assays and off-the-shelf IHC panels cannot measure whether a therapeutic creates, restores, or disrupts these structures.
A Shortcut to Human Translatability
Voyant Bio applies custom multiplex IHC panels (20+ markers) and proprietary AI analytics (spatial intelligence) to primary human tumors, delivering rapid mechanistic insights into how IO candidates modulate these triads.
Superior Translatability
Screen format/Fc/backbone variants, pinpointing synergies like PD-1 combos.
Sharper Biomarkers
Generate trial-ready hypotheses for patient stratification, reducing clinical failures.
Differentiated Storytelling
Deliver intuitive, evidence-backed MOA narratives that stand out in crowded IO spaces.
Voyant Bio Selected for Merck Digital Sciences Studio
Voyant Bio is proud to announce its acceptance into the latest cohort of the Merck Digital Sciences Studio (MDS Studio), a digital accelerator designed to enable the next generation of technologies for drug discovery and development, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. MDS Studio was founded to offer support for early-stage biomedical startups providing strategic guidance, direct investment, and connection opportunities within Merck.
About Merck Digital Sciences Studio
The Merck Digital Sciences Studio (MDS Studio or MDSS), a collaboration between Merck, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, Northpond Ventures, McKesson Ventures, Microsoft for Startups, and the New Jersey Innovation Institute, a New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) subsidiary. The 10-month startup accelerator program, with direct investments from Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, Northpond Ventures, and McKesson Ventures, empowers members and enables the generation of innovative digital technologies for drug discovery and development through hands-on mentorship, connection opportunities with industry-leading partners, and training in an active entrepreneurial setting. Through the accelerator program, these startups will have access to workshops, coaching, office space, and Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub resources, including up to $150,000 Azure Cloud computing credits.
Leadership
Assaf Magen, PhD
CEO
Assaf Magen, PhD, is the CEO and Founder of Voyant Bio, a recognized expert in computational biology, immunology, and data science, with extensive experience in spatial biology research.Dr. Magen earned his PhD in Computational Biology and has published influential research on immune cell interactions and their role in cancer resistance mechanisms in prestigious journals, including Nature Medicine. His visionary leadership combines innovative computational techniques with deep biological insights, guiding Voyant Bio’s development of precision immunotherapies.Under his guidance, the company’s unique AI-driven microscopy platform is redefining therapeutic strategies by precisely targeting cellular interactions within tumors, significantly improving the potential for successful immunotherapy outcomes for patients with treatment-resistant cancers.
Max Fereydouni, PhD
Head of R&D, Cell Biology
Dr. Fereydouni eading immuno-oncology scientist with industry experience at Adanate Inc., Innate-N-Adaptive Tx Consulting, and Sangamo Therapeutics, where he worked on immunology programs and led regulatory FDA submissions. His academic research focused on cancer immunotherapy, mast cell engineering, and HER2-positive tumor targeting, and he brings this translational expertise to Voyant Bio’s mission to decode immune dysfunction in cancer.
Gunjan Thakur, PhD
Bioinformatics & AI/ML
Dr. Thakur is a seasoned Machine Learning Scientist with over six years of experience at the intersection of computational biology and drug discovery. He brings deep expertise in deep learning, graph neural networks (GNNs), and generative AI to accelerate therapeutic development through integrated multi-omics data analysis.Gunjan is a patent holder in multi-omic biomarker discovery and has a strong track record of translating complex data into actionable insights. His work bridges advanced computational models with experimental validation to drive innovation in precision medicine.
Gavin Thurston, PhD
Oncology Advisory
A leader in oncology with extensive industry experience, Dr. Thurston previously served as SVP of Immuno-Oncology at Regeneron, where he played a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge cancer therapies.
George Smith, PhD, MBA
Scientific & Business Advisory
Dr. Smith is a biotech executive and drug developer with 28 years of experience, multiple exits and commercial successes. Recently, he led development and operations at Myst, then, post-acquisition by Turnstone, was VP Cell Therapies at Turnstone, steering the company to an IPO. In IQVIA’s management consulting team, he built IQVIA into the advanced therapy market leader. He invented Paxlovid, helped develop Prevnar20, built Pfizer’s therapeutic vaccines department, and built Althea Technologies’ CRO business. He was CDO at Visicell and advises startups. George has a PhD and MBA from UCSD.
Robert Schreiber, PhD
Immunology Advisory
A world-renowned immunologist and key opinion leader, Dr. Schreiber is affiliated with Washington University in St. Louis. His groundbreaking work continues to shape the field of cancer immunology.
Ugur Eskiocak, PhD
Immuno-oncology Advisory
A seasoned executive and innovator in immuno-oncology, Dr. Eskiocak is currently CEO of Voro Tx. He has previously held positions at Janux Therapeutics, Takeda, and other leading biotech companies.
Mohosin Sarkar, PhD
Protein Engineering Advisory
With a background in protein engineering, Dr. Sarkar has held leadership roles at Pfizer and EvolveImmune Therapeutics, contributing to the development of novel biologics and therapeutic platforms.
Mark Oldroyd, JD, MS
Strategic Development Advisory
Executive leader with 30 years in pharma, biotech, and lab industries, specializing in commercialization and strategic partnerships. Proven success in product launches, RWD/RWE monetization, and driving growth for early-stage companies.
Partner with us
| Combination Therapy Optimization |
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| Compare format/Fc/backbone choices based on whether they restore productive immune activation |
| Determine which variant is synergistic with PD-1 blockade or other agents |
| Identify which variant drives cytotoxic differentiation in human tissue |
| Generate biomarker hypotheses for patient selection and trial design |
| A Differentiation Story Investors and Clinicians Understand |
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| A direct understanding of the MOA |
| Differentiation in crowded IO spaces |
| Clear rationale for biomarker-driven trials |
| A Fast, Low-Risk Engagement |
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| Voyant Bio operates on a fee-for-service model, with ready-to-run tissue panels, automated spatial analytics, and ex-vivo functional assays, enabling rapid generation of actionable human data without long-term commitments. |
Schedule an Exploratory Call
Voyant Bio
Unlocking Human Translatability with Spatial Intelligence
HQ
Attn: Voyant-Bio
8910 University Center Lane, Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92122
Labs
Attn: Voyant-Bio
300 Professional Center Drive
Suite #311
Novato, CA 94947
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