Company Description
Citius Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTOR) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel targeted oncology therapies. According to the company’s public disclosures, Citius Oncology serves as a platform dedicated to bringing targeted cancer treatments to market, with an emphasis on therapies that address areas where existing options are limited.
The company is an oncology-focused subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXR). Citius Pharmaceuticals reports that it owns a majority stake in Citius Oncology. Through this relationship, Citius Oncology concentrates on oncology assets, while its parent company advances a broader portfolio of critical care products.
Core therapy: LYMPHIR for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Citius Oncology’s primary asset is LYMPHIR™ (denileukin diftitox-cxdl), described in multiple company press releases as a novel IL‑2 receptor-directed fusion protein and targeted immune therapy. LYMPHIR is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory Stage I–III cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma (CTCL) after at least one prior systemic therapy. Company materials state that LYMPHIR is indicated for use in Stage I–III CTCL and is positioned as a systemic therapy option in a disease setting characterized by limited treatment choices.
According to Citius Oncology, LYMPHIR is a recombinant fusion protein that combines the IL‑2 receptor binding domain with diphtheria toxin fragments. The agent binds to IL‑2 receptors on the cell surface and, after internalization, the diphtheria toxin fragments inhibit protein synthesis, resulting in cell death. Company descriptions further note that denileukin diftitox-cxdl has demonstrated depletion of immunosuppressive regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) and antitumor activity through a direct cytocidal action on IL‑2 receptor–expressing tumors.
Regulatory and clinical background
Company communications report that denileukin diftitox received regulatory approval in Japan in 2021 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory CTCL and peripheral T‑cell lymphoma (PTCL). In 2021, Citius obtained an exclusive license with rights to develop and commercialize denileukin diftitox in all markets except for specified territories including Japan and certain parts of Asia (and, in some disclosures, India). Citius Oncology states that LYMPHIR (denileukin diftitox-cxdl) was approved by the FDA in August 2024 for adult patients with relapsed or refractory Stage I–III CTCL after at least one prior systemic therapy.
In company press releases describing the pivotal Study 302, Citius Oncology reports that the Phase 3 trial in Stage I–III relapsed or refractory CTCL demonstrated an objective response rate and reductions in skin tumor burden, as well as activity on severe pruritus. The company also notes that LYMPHIR was not associated with cumulative toxicity in the data it has presented.
Commercialization and market focus
Citius Oncology states that it launched LYMPHIR commercially in the United States in December 2025, transitioning from a pre‑revenue to a revenue-generating profile. The company describes LYMPHIR as its first marketed product and a key driver of its business. According to Citius Oncology and Citius Pharmaceuticals, LYMPHIR has been assigned a permanent Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) J‑code (J9161) and has been included in National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for CTCL with a Category 2A recommendation, which the company identifies as important elements for coverage and reimbursement.
To support U.S. access, Citius Oncology reports that it has executed service agreements with the three leading U.S. pharmaceutical wholesalers to distribute LYMPHIR to healthcare organizations, including medical centers, specialized hospitals treating oncology patients, community oncology practices, and infusion centers. The company has also announced a distribution services agreement with McKesson Corporation, which it describes as completing its core U.S. distribution network for LYMPHIR.
Beyond the U.S., Citius Oncology describes an international access strategy based on Named Patient Programs (NPPs). Company news releases state that it has secured access to LYMPHIR in 19 markets outside the United States through regional distribution partners. These programs, as described by the company, allow access to LYMPHIR where permitted by local law but do not constitute commercial approval outside the U.S.
Intellectual property and positioning
In multiple public statements, Citius Oncology notes that LYMPHIR is supported by intellectual property protections that span orphan drug designation, complex technology, trade secrets, and pending patents for immuno-oncology use as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors. The company states that these protections would support its competitive positioning in the CTCL treatment landscape.
Management commentary in company press releases estimates that the initial market for LYMPHIR exceeds $400 million, is growing, and is underserved by existing therapies. This estimate is presented by the company as part of its rationale for focusing on CTCL and for viewing LYMPHIR as a value-driving asset.
Use of data and AI in commercialization
Citius Oncology has announced a collaboration with Verix to deploy the Tovana AI-powered commercial optimization platform. According to the company, this platform integrates advanced analytics, real-world claims data, and machine learning to refine commercial targeting, support real-time field execution, and enhance provider engagement for LYMPHIR. Company statements describe the goal of using AI-driven analytics to inform sales and marketing plans and to prioritize engagement with healthcare providers whose patients may be appropriate for LYMPHIR.
Corporate structure and capital markets activity
Citius Oncology is incorporated in Delaware and is identified in SEC filings as an emerging growth company. It is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol CTOR. The company has reported various equity financings, including registered direct offerings and private placements, as well as the issuance and amendment of warrants. In its fiscal year 2025 financial update, Citius Oncology highlighted strategic financings intended to support the commercialization of LYMPHIR and general corporate purposes.
In SEC filings, Citius Oncology has also disclosed the adoption and subsequent amendment of its 2024 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, increasing the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the plan. Stockholders approved this amendment at the company’s 2025 annual meeting of stockholders, as reported in a Form 8‑K.
Relationship with Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Citius Pharmaceuticals describes itself as a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of first-in-class critical care products. It reports that it owns a controlling interest in Citius Oncology and that LYMPHIR is a key asset within the combined group. Citius Pharmaceuticals also discloses late-stage programs such as Mino‑Lok and CITI‑002 (Halo‑Lido), which are separate from Citius Oncology’s oncology-focused platform but provide context for the broader corporate family in which Citius Oncology operates.
Risk and regulatory considerations
Company press releases and SEC filings include extensive forward-looking statement disclosures and risk factor summaries. Citius Oncology highlights risks related to funding needs, commercialization of LYMPHIR, market acceptance, reliance on third-party logistics providers and specialty pharmacies, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and maintaining Nasdaq listing standards, among others. These disclosures emphasize that the company’s plans and expectations are subject to uncertainties typical of emerging biopharmaceutical companies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What does Citius Oncology, Inc. do?
Citius Oncology, Inc. is described in its public disclosures as a platform to develop and commercialize novel targeted oncology therapies. Its primary focus is on LYMPHIR, an FDA‑approved IL‑2 receptor-directed fusion protein for adult patients with relapsed or refractory Stage I–III cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma after at least one prior systemic therapy. - What is LYMPHIR?
According to company materials, LYMPHIR (denileukin diftitox-cxdl) is a recombinant fusion protein that targets IL‑2 receptors. It is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory Stage I–III CTCL who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. The agent binds to IL‑2 receptors, delivers diphtheria toxin fragments into cells, and inhibits protein synthesis, leading to cell death. - How is Citius Oncology related to Citius Pharmaceuticals?
Citius Oncology is described as the oncology-focused subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Citius Pharmaceuticals reports that it owns a majority of Citius Oncology’s equity and that LYMPHIR is an important asset within its overall portfolio. - On which exchange does Citius Oncology trade?
Company press releases and SEC filings state that Citius Oncology, Inc. trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol CTOR. - What patient population does LYMPHIR target?
Citius Oncology specifies that LYMPHIR is approved in the U.S. for adult patients with relapsed or refractory Stage I–III cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma after at least one prior systemic therapy. Company descriptions emphasize its use as a systemic therapy in this setting. - Does Citius Oncology have international activities?
According to company news releases, Citius Oncology has secured access to LYMPHIR in multiple international markets through Named Patient Programs and regional distribution agreements. These programs allow access where permitted by local law but are not described as commercial approvals outside the United States. - What intellectual property protections support LYMPHIR?
Citius Oncology states that LYMPHIR is supported by intellectual property protections that include orphan drug designation, complex technology, trade secrets, and pending patents related to immuno-oncology use, including potential combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors. - How does Citius Oncology use AI in its business?
The company has announced a collaboration with Verix to use the Tovana AI-powered platform. According to Citius Oncology, this platform applies advanced analytics and machine learning to commercial data to refine targeting, support real-time field execution, and enhance provider engagement for LYMPHIR. - Is Citius Oncology considered an emerging growth company?
In its SEC filings, Citius Oncology identifies itself as an emerging growth company under applicable securities regulations. - What corporate governance actions has Citius Oncology reported?
Citius Oncology has disclosed, via Form 8‑K and proxy materials, the election of directors, amendments to its 2024 Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan to increase the share reserve, and the ratification of its independent registered public accounting firm, as approved by stockholders at its 2025 annual meeting.