The path from a scientific breakthrough to a life-saving cancer treatment is long, complex, and often filled with uncertainty. For many early-stage therapeutics companies, navigating the transition from academic discovery to clinical development can be daunting. That’s where TMCi’s Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics (ACT) steps in—bridging that critical gap with tailored guidance, expert resources, and a supportive innovation ecosystem rooted in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the world’s most comprehensive life science platform.
In a region known for groundbreaking cancer research and patient care, ACT is helping entrepreneurs translate promising science into scalable solutions. We spoke with three recent alumni to understand how the program shaped their journeys—and why Houston is becoming a global hub for oncology innovation.
Unlocking Access and Accelerating Growth
Dr. Chun Li, who came to the ACT program through OmniNano Pharmaceuticals, LLC, describes ACT as “one-of-a-kind.” The program’s accessibility within the TMC ecosystem gave his company unparalleled exposure to business acumen that’s often missing from purely research-driven efforts.
“Learning the language of business was transformative,” Dr. Chun Li says. “We were surrounded by experts—from regulatory advisors and lawyers to CROs—who helped us think like a company, not just a lab.”
That guidance paid off. Dr. Chun Li’s company leveraged connections made during the accelerator to secure CPRIT grant funding and bring on a seasoned CEO. Now in production and advancing toward GMP processes, the company is positioning for clinical trials and long-term growth.
Designing Trials, De-Risking Innovation
Neil Thapar, CEO and Chief Science Officer of Barricade Therapeutics, is leading the development of an orally bioavailable, small-molecule drug for APCmut colorectal cancer (CRC); a genetically defined and underserved patient population comprising >80% of CRC cases. Barricade has received two non-dilutive grants (totaling $17M) from the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to advance its clinical candidate, BT-1501, into first-in-human CRC clinical trials. Having generated preclinical proof-of-concept and cleared early toxicology studies, Barricade explored options to provide deeper insights into clinical development. “The TMCi ACT program helped us take the next step with confidence,” he says.
With access to top-tier advisors and clinical trial design experts, Barricade used the learnings of the program to aid in the preparation of its pre-IND / Meeting Information Package (MIP) and design a Phase 1 trial that anticipated regulatory expectations. “It was critical to get feedback early—the ACT program which included Regulatory experts was very helpful for our size and stage of company”. The tools provided by TMCi ACT were of value for Barricade’s positive FDA | Pre-IND meeting response which now positions the company for IND filing in 4Q 2025.
Today, the company has completed IND-enabling GLP toxicology, manufactured GMP-grade clinical trial material, and is seeking a $5M Convertible Note round under a regCF platform followed by syndication of a Series A raise. Barricade will be working with Houston-based CROs to streamline bioanalysis of patient clinical samples and expects to partner with a Clinical Services CRO with roots in TX—further proof that even Dallas-based innovators benefit from TMCi’s Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics.
Bridging Academia and Industry
When Dr. Cassian Yee, an oncologist and researcher, joined ACT with Mongoose Bio, his team had robust academic research but limited experience in company-building. “The bootcamp was amazing,” he says. “It bridged the gap between academia and industry in a way no other program has.”
With support from ACT advisors, Mongoose was able to consolidate its research, identify scalable targets, and pivot toward a more focused, clinically validated direction. Introductions to grant writing experts enabled a successful CPRIT application, and the company brought on Neil Warma, an experienced CEO. From there, Mongoose expanded beyond Texas, forming global partnerships across South Korea, UAE, and the U.S. to develop treatments tailored to region-specific cancers.
“ACT helped us form a clear pitch and strategy,” Dr. Yee notes. “It launched us—not just in Houston, but into the world.”
Why Texas, Why Now
The success stories of these companies highlight a key truth: Houston is the ideal place to build the future of cancer care. With access to a deep pool of clinical expertise, regulatory support, and collaborative resources, Houston serves as a central hub for Texas-based oncology companies. From navigating regulatory pathways to securing grants and lab space, the TMC community offers critical resources at every stage of development, empowering companies across the state to thrive.
As Texas continues to attract venture capital, expand CDMO capabilities, and foster cross-border collaborations, its role as a launchpad for cancer therapeutics is growing stronger. For Texas-based companies advancing science, the Accelerator for Cancer Therapeutics isn’t just a program—it’s a transformative resource driving the future of healthcare.