In the evolving world of veterinary oncology, Jørund Sollid, CEO of Immuvera Therapeutics AS, is leading a breakthrough approach to treating cancer in dogs. His journey from scientific research to executive leadership reflects a deep commitment to solving one of the most overlooked challenges in modern medicine: effective cancer treatment for companion animals.
Dogs naturally develop cancers that closely resemble human malignancies, making them highly relevant for translational research. However, despite this similarity, treatment options in veterinary oncology remain limited—especially in advanced stages. Recognizing this gap, Sollid set out to build a solution that could improve outcomes for dogs while contributing valuable insights to human medicine.
Scientific Foundation Meets Strategic Leadership
Sollid holds a PhD in physiology and molecular biosciences, which laid the groundwork for his scientific expertise. His experience at Roche shaped his understanding of how innovation moves from research to real-world impact.
Over the past two decades, he has held leadership roles at Mundipharma, Servier, and Lytix Biopharma. These roles helped him develop a strong balance between science, strategy, and execution—skills that are critical in scaling biotech innovations.
The Opportunity in Companion-Animal Oncology
Veterinary oncology is an underserved field, despite the increasing lifespan of pets and growing willingness of owners to invest in advanced care. Sollid identified a unique opportunity: addressing unmet medical needs in dogs while generating translational insights for human cancer therapies.
This vision led him to join Immuvera Therapeutics, where the focus is on developing targeted, effective, and tolerable cancer treatments.
Nebumet: A Breakthrough in Canine Cancer Treatment
At the heart of Immuvera’s innovation is Nebumet, an inhaled immunotherapy designed to treat pulmonary metastases in dogs.
Pulmonary metastases—cancer spreading to the lungs—are among the most life-threatening developments in canine cancer. Nebumet is designed to activate the immune system directly within the lungs, targeting tumors at their most critical stage.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, this approach emphasizes:
- Localized treatment delivery
- Improved tolerability
- Better quality of life for dogs
The therapy is currently advancing toward regulatory development in Europe, supported by strong preclinical data and early patent protection.
Early Clinical Signals and Real-World Impact
While still in early stages, Nebumet has shown promising results. In one case, a dog with stage IV melanoma—expected to survive around 60 days with standard treatment—lived over 180 days after receiving inhaled immunotherapy, while maintaining a good quality of life.
Sollid remains cautious about overinterpreting individual cases, emphasizing the importance of scientific validation. However, these early signals support the therapy’s biological rationale and potential impact.
Challenging Assumptions in Veterinary Oncology
Immuvera is not only developing a new therapy but also reshaping how cancer treatment in animals is perceived.
Two major misconceptions are being challenged:
- Advanced cancer means no meaningful treatment options
- Effective treatment must come with severe side effects
Nebumet’s design focuses on short, minimally disruptive treatment sessions, allowing dogs to maintain a high quality of life. This approach makes treatment more practical for veterinarians and less stressful for pet owners.
A Patient-Centered Approach for Pet Owners
Sollid emphasizes empathy in the treatment journey. A cancer diagnosis in a dog can be overwhelming, and clarity is essential.
Immuvera’s approach ensures:
- Clear communication with pet owners
- Integration with veterinary care plans
- Simple and manageable treatment protocols
This focus helps families navigate difficult decisions with greater confidence and understanding.
Leadership Philosophy: Trust Through Execution
Throughout his career, Sollid has developed a leadership style rooted in trust, transparency, and collaboration. Influenced by Stephen M. R. Covey, he believes that credibility comes from both character and competence.
His leadership is guided by five principles:
- Transparency
- Focus
- Evidence-based decisions
- Kindness
- Reliable execution
As he puts it: “Vision opens doors, but credibility keeps them open.”
The Future of Immuvera Therapeutics
Immuvera Therapeutics aims to build a new category in veterinary oncology by delivering innovative, science-backed treatments where few options exist today.
With a disciplined development strategy and a clear mission, the company is positioned to:
- Improve cancer care for dogs
- Contribute to human oncology research
- Expand the boundaries of immunotherapy
Conclusion
Jørund Sollid’s journey highlights how meaningful innovation often begins with recognizing an overlooked problem. By combining scientific expertise with strategic execution, he is helping redefine cancer care for companion animals.
As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, Immuvera Therapeutics stands at the forefront—bringing hope, innovation, and practical solutions to a field that has long needed both.