Congressman Deluzio Celebrates Federal Funds for Next-Generation Cancer Treatment Research Based in O’Hara Township

CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has awarded a $306,756 grant to KaliVir Immunotherapeutics of O’Hara Township, PA for cancer treatment research. This federal funding is a Small Business Innovation Research Grant (SBIR) – Phase II from the National Cancer Institute. 

KaliVir Immunotherapeutics develops next-generation, viral-based therapies (oncolytic viruses) that both directly destroy tumor cells as well as attract and activate an anti-tumor immune response.  

“I’m proud to announce federal funding to support cutting-edge research for cancer treatment right here in Western PA,” said Congressman Deluzio. “KaliVir does life-saving work—and I’m excited to see the discoveries they make with this grant.” 

“KaliVir Immunotherapeutics is grateful to Congressman Duluzio and his colleagues for voting to restore funding for the SBIR program,” said KaliVir’s Chief Executive Officer Helena Chaye, PhD, JD. “The STEALTH-001 study is a first-in-human, open-label, Phase 1/1b dose-escalation and expansion trial evaluating VET3-TGI, both as a monotherapy and in combination with atezolizumab in patients with pathologically confirmed, advanced, unresectable or metastatic solid tumors. The SBIR award will allow KaliVir to further strengthen the scientific foundation of our programs, and the full amount of the grant will directly impact the economy in the greater Pittsburgh area.”America's Seed Fund, including funding for SBIR Phase II Grants, provides technology-focused entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with funding to develop their ideas and a pathway to commercialization. Powered by a network of federal agencies, entrepreneur support organizations, and the Small Business Administration (SBA), America's Seed Fund advances federal missions and fosters a culture of innovation in the United States. 

The Trump Administration’s efforts to freeze funding and pause federal grants has created significant uncertainty for grantees, varying by agency and program. As of now, courts have paused many of these freezes. However, Congressman Deluzio’s office will continue to monitor these developments and fight to make sure this congressionally authorized funding keeps going to projects that make life better for Western Pennsylvanians. If you are the recipient of a federal grant and have been notified that this funding is no longer available to you or are experiencing other issues accessing your lawfully appropriated funds, please share your concerns with Congressman Deluzio’s office at PA17Grants@mail.house.gov.

###