Sona Nanotech’s Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy™ (THT) is a next-generation precision cancer treatment that uses CTAB-free, uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods (GNRs) to deliver controlled, localized heat directly into solid tumors. This precise thermal activation induces apoptotic cancer cell death, reveals tumor antigens, and helps activate the immune system. THT is designed to minimize damage to healthy tissue while overcoming the limitations of traditional cancer treatments and immunotherapy resistance. In 2025, THT demonstrated compelling early human efficacy in immunotherapy-resistant melanoma, achieving an 80% overall response rate and 60% complete responses in a first-in-human feasibility study, with a favourable safety and tolerability profile. Sona’s patented, CTAB-free, uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods (GNRs) are delivered directly into solid tumors via intratumoral injection. When activated by near-infrared (NIR) light tuned to their same wavelength, the GNRs gently heat tumors from the inside, triggering apoptotic cell death* and revealing tumor neoantigens that help the immune system better engage to fight the tumor cancer. Apoptotic Cell Death: When a cell actively self-destructs in a controlled manner. In so doing, the dying cells become more “visible” to immune cells due to the altered antigen presentation which can cause the immune system to engage and attack the cancer. Sona’s THT Involves Two Injections Of GNRs Followed By ~5 Minutes Of Sona’s Near-infrared Laser Energy Which GNRs Convert To Heat Sona Nanotech completed its first-in-human early feasibility study evaluating Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy™ (THT) in patients with immunotherapy-resistant melanoma. The study demonstrated compelling early human efficacy, including: overall response rate complete responses in biopsied tumors Favourable safety and tolerability, with no THT-related serious adverse events procedural and device refinements supporting ongoing optimization These results represent the first clinical evidence that CTAB-free gold nanorod-based hyperthermia can shrink tumors and engage immune responses in humans. Participants received two THT treatments one week apart, with the study evaluating: Prior to human testing, THT demonstrated strong preclinical efficacy across multiple cancer models including melanoma, and colorectal and triple negative breast cancer. Studies showed that combining THT with immunotherapy can convert immune-resistant “cold” tumors into “hot” tumors, enhancing immune activation and improving treatment outcomes. THT delivers precise, localized thermal activation within tumors, reducing collateral damage and minimizing side effects compared with systemic chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical intervention. By inducing selective apoptotic cancer cell death and revealing tumor neoantigens, THT helps engage the immune system — a mechanism supported by both preclinical studies and early human findings in immunotherapy-resistant melanoma. Sona’s gold nanorod (GNR) platform is being advanced for multiple solid tumor types. Insights from the early feasibility study will inform expansion into additional indications as part of future clinical development. Sona’s CTAB-free, uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods eliminate the toxicity concerns associated with legacy gold nanorod technologies. Independent validation from the US NIH’s National Cancer Institute’s Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) reassessed Sona’s GNRs as stable and free of detectable endotoxins. As a locally delivered, immune-activating therapy, THT is designed to complement existing cancer treatments. Early clinical results suggest the potential for meaningful integration alongside immunotherapies in patients with treatment-resistant disease.
