MusiQ Bio Secured $2.59 Million Research Grant
The Dallas-based biotech firm received funding to develop its microbubble-based cancer immunotherapy platform.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Biotech
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MusiQ Bio has been awarded a $2.59 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The UT Southwestern Medical Center spinoff will use the funds to advance its MUSIC technology platform.
Why it matters
The grant supports the development of new treatments designed to prime the immune system to fight cancer. By using microbubbles, researchers hope to deliver therapies more precisely to tumors.
The MUSIC platform utilizes microbubbles loaded with cGAMP and antibodies to bind to antigen-presenting cells. Ultrasound pressure then ruptures these bubbles to increase tissue porosity and deliver therapeutic agents.
The players
MusiQ Bio
A biotech startup and UT Southwestern Medical Center spinoff focused on microbubble-based drug delivery.
Jacques Lux
A co-founder of MusiQ Bio and leader of the research lab responsible for developing the microbubble platform.
Sina Khorsandi
A co-founder of MusiQ Bio who joined the foundational research lab as a graduate student in 2018.
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
A state agency that provides funding for cancer research and prevention efforts across Texas.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
A prominent medical research and academic institution located in Dallas where the company originated.
The details
MusiQ Bio, co-founded by Jacques Lux and Sina Khorsandi, is working to improve drug delivery for cancer treatments. The company plans to use this capital to work toward initiating human clinical trials within the next five years.
Timeline
2018: Sina Khorsandi joined the lab as a graduate student.
2021: Jacques Lux and UT Southwestern received a $250,000 grant.
2022: Lux Lab reported reduced tumor growth in mouse models of breast cancer.
September 29, 2026: MusiQ Bio received the $2.59 million grant.
Within five years: Planned human clinical trials for the MUSIC technology platform.
The Tech Race
This development represents a broader industry shift toward non-invasive, precision-targeted drug delivery systems. The startup is competing to replace traditional systemic therapies with localized immunotherapy activation techniques.
While the technology is currently in the research phase, success could eventually lead to more effective cancer treatment options for patients. In the near term, residents may see continued job growth in the local biotech corridor.
The takeaway
Advancements in microbubble technology represent a promising frontier for targeted cancer therapy. Continued funding will be essential for moving these experimental platforms from animal models to human clinical trials.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Biotech sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dallas Innovates.
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