Sona Nanotech Ltd.

What Sona Nanotech Ltd. does

Sona Nanotech Ltd. is a publicly traded Canadian nanotechnology life sciences company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, that develops and commercializes CTAB-free, uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods and nanospheres. Its core technology platform eliminates the cytotoxic CTAB surfactant traditionally used in gold nanorod synthesis, enabling safe in-vivo medical applications. The company sells research-grade gold nanorods (GNR650 and GNR850) and gold nanospheres (20–80 nm) directly to academic, diagnostic, and biotech customers via its e-commerce storefront at unit prices ranging from $100 to $2,250 per order. Its flagship clinical-stage asset is Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy (THT), a photothermal cancer treatment that injects proprietary CTAB-free gold nanorods into solid tumors and activates them with a custom 860 nm near-infrared laser to induce apoptotic cancer cell death at approximately 44°C while sparing healthy tissue.

In 2025, Sona reported first-in-human results in late-stage, immunotherapy-resistant melanoma patients, demonstrating an 80% overall response rate and 60% complete responses, and is preparing two combination therapy trials — IGNITE-THT and PRIME-THT — for late-stage and newly diagnosed melanoma respectively. Preclinical data also support expansion into colorectal and triple-negative breast cancer, and a bovine tuberculosis rapid diagnostic test is in development. The company augments its in-house R&D in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia with a long-standing collaboration with the Giacomantonio Immuno-Oncology Research Group at Dalhousie University, clinical operations at Centro de Investigacion Clinica Bradford Hill in Chile, regulatory characterization at the US National Cancer Institute's Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, and a research partnership with BioVaxys. Revenue is generated today primarily through research nanoparticle sales, while the THT therapeutic is expected, if approved, to be monetized via licensing, co-development partnerships, or direct commercialization.

Name

Sona Nanotech Ltd.

Legal name

Sona Nanotech Inc.

Website

https://sonanano.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sona Nanotech is a Canadian clinical-stage nanobiotech company developing CTAB-free gold nanorod-based Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy for solid tumors, while also selling research-grade gold nanorods and nanospheres to academic, diagnostic, and biotech customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nanomedicine

NAICS

Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing (325413)

SIC

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)

akta.pro primary industry

Non-viral Gene Delivery & Gene Therapy (LNP, polymers, electroporation, physical methods) (HLAAACAC)

Keywords

• Gold nanoparticles
• Photothermal cancer therapy
• Biocompatible nanorods
• Targeted hyperthermia therapy
• Nanomedicine research products

Headquarters

HQ city

Dartmouth

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Gold Nanorod and Nanosphere Product Sales: Sona sells its CTAB-free gold nanorods (GNR650, GNR850) and gold nanospheres in various sizes and concentrations (OD1, OD10) directly through its e-commerce website. Products range from research-use nanoparticles for diagnostics (ELISA, lateral flow assays) to photothermal therapy research applications. Pricing ranges from $100 to $2,250 per order depending on product type, concentration, and volume.
2. Therapeutic Development and Licensing: Sona is developing Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy (THT) as a cancer treatment using its proprietary gold nanorods. Revenue may eventually come from licensing THT technology, co-development partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, or commercialization upon regulatory approval.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Sona Nanotech manufactures and sells CTAB-free, biocompatible gold nanorods (GNR650, GNR850) and gold nanospheres (20-80 nm) as research products for diagnostic and therapeutic applications via its e-commerce website. The company is also developing Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy (THT), a photothermal cancer treatment that injects its proprietary gold nanorods into solid tumors and activates them with a custom 860 nm near-infrared laser to deliver controlled 44°C hyperthermia, inducing apoptotic cancer cell death and immune system engagement.

Product overview

Sona Nanotech is a nanotechnology life sciences company developing two core product lines: (1) CTAB-free, uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods and nanospheres sold as research products for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and (2) Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy (THT) - a photothermal cancer treatment platform combining proprietary gold nanorods with a near-infrared laser device. The gold nanorod products (Gold Nanorods in 650nm/850nm variants, Gold Nanospheres in 20-80nm sizes) are sold directly to researchers and diagnostic manufacturers. The THT therapy is being developed as a clinical treatment for solid tumor cancers, with melanoma as the initial indication and expansion planned for colorectal cancer and other solid tumors. A bovine tuberculosis rapid diagnostic test is also in development using the lateral flow assay platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sona Gold Nanorods (GNR650 and GNR850) CTAB-free, uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods manufactured using patented proprietary methods, available in 650nm and 850nm peak wavelengths (GNR650: 25-31 nm length x 13-18 nm width; GNR850: 44-50 nm length x 11-13 nm width). Citrate-capped with negative charge for antibody conjugation, stable for at least 12 months when stored at 2-8°C, suitable for lateral flow assays, ELISA, drug delivery, and photothermal therapy research. Sold directly to research institutions, diagnostic companies, and biotech firms.
• Sona Gold Nanospheres Perfectly spherical gold nanoparticles suspended in pure water, citrate-capped with negative charge enabling passive conjugation with nearly all antibody types. Available in 20nm, 40nm, 60nm, and 80nm sizes for lateral flow and ELISA diagnostic assays. Stable for 12 months when stored at 2-8°C. Sold directly via sonanano.com/order/.
• Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy (THT) Photothermal cancer therapy using CTAB-free, uniquely biocompatible gold nanorods injected directly into solid tumors and activated by near-infrared light at 860 nm wavelength (penetrating up to ~2.5 cm of tissue). The GNRs convert NIR light into localized heat at approximately 44°C hyperthermia (versus >55°C ablation), inducing apoptotic cancer cell death, revealing tumor neoantigens, and stimulating immune system engagement. Initial target: immunotherapy-resistant melanoma; expansion planned for colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and combination therapy (IGNITE-THT, PRIME-THT).
• Next Gen Laser Device Custom-engineered near-infrared light device operating at 860 nm wavelength, specifically designed for use with Sona's CTAB-free gold nanorods in Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy. Optimized to penetrate approximately one inch into tissue, it delivers non-thermal NIR light absorbed by injected gold nanorods, which convert it to therapeutic heat. Validated for consistent energy output and built-in safety features meeting clinical trial and regulatory requirements.
• Bovine Tuberculosis Rapid Diagnostic Test Rapid lateral flow diagnostic test for early detection of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle, designed to provide low-cost screening that does not require test-and-slaughter protocols. Built on Sona's gold nanorod-based lateral flow assay platform; aims to distinguish infected from vaccinated cattle and address current bTB detection turnaround times of up to 12 weeks.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% overall response rate (8/10) and 60% complete responses (6/10) in first-in-human THT study of immunotherapy-resistant late-stage melanoma patients within two weeks
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Centro de Investigacion Clinica Bradford Hill (Chile)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 July 2025Clinical trial site for Sona's first-in-human early feasibility study of THT in immunotherapy-resistant melanoma patients. Dr. Carlos Rojas, Executive Director, serves as Principal Investigator. The study enrolled 10 late-stage melanoma patients who had failed standard immunotherapy, with treatments conducted in Santiago, Chile.
• BioVaxysminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2025Research collaboration announced May 2025 between Sona Nanotech and BioVaxys. The collaboration involves joint research activities related to cancer immunotherapy using Sona's gold nanorod technology.
• U.S. National Cancer Institute Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 November 2024NCL — established by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), FDA, and NIST — conducted comprehensive preclinical characterization and safety testing of Sona's gold nanorods through its Assay Cascade Program. Seven batches of Sona's GNR material have been assessed. NCL assessments confirmed biocompatibility, absence of endotoxins, stability, and reproducibility across batches, forming a critical regulatory data package.
• Global Contract Research Organization (CRO)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Sona engaged a global CRO to conduct pilot safety and biocompatibility feasibility studies for its proprietary gold nanorods. The studies confirmed the GNRs are non-toxic, safe, and clear the body efficiently, supporting progression to dose-escalation studies.
• Preclinical GLP-Compliant Translational Research Institute (USA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024A GLP-compliant translational research institute in the United States conducted preclinical safety and biocompatibility studies for Sona's GNRs, providing initial data supporting the non-toxic and safe profile of Sona's gold nanorods.
• UK Partners for Bovine Tuberculosis DiagnosticsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2021UK-based collaborators working with Sona on development of a rapid diagnostic test for bovine tuberculosis (bTB), supported by NRC IRAP funding. The project aimed to create a quick differential diagnostic test to improve bTB disease control and reduce costs associated with current methods that take up to 12 weeks.
• Dalhousie University — Giacomantonio Immuno-Oncology Research GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Long-standing research collaboration with Dr. Carman Giacomantonio's Immuno-Oncology Research Group at Dalhousie University's Department of Pathology. The group leads the clinical-translational development of Sona's THT, including preclinical studies in melanoma, colorectal, and breast cancer models, and tissue analysis from first-in-human clinical study. Dr. Barry Kennedy serves as Principal Research Scientist leading biomarker and translational research within the collaboration.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• CytImmune Sciences: Earlier-stage developer of tumor-targeted gold nanoparticle therapeutics (CYT-6091, Aurimune) using PEGylated gold colloids to deliver cytokines to tumors. Comparable as a tumor-targeted gold nanoparticle platform with a different delivery payload strategy than Sona's photothermal GNRs.
• Lumicell: Clinical-stage company developing fluorescence-guided cancer imaging combined with intraoperative photodynamic therapy to identify and treat residual disease in breast and other solid tumors. Adjacent to Sona — both use light-activated localized tumor treatment, though Lumicell focuses on imaging-guided surgery rather than injected particle heating.
• Helix Biopharma: Canadian clinical-stage biopharma developing tumor-penetrating payload conjugates (L-DOS47 and antibody-enzyme conjugates) for solid tumors. Comparable as a small-cap North American clinical oncology platform pursuing novel targeted mechanisms, similar capitalization profile to Sona.

Direct peers

• Nanospectra Biosciences: Developer of AuroLase, a gold nanoshell-based photothermal therapy in clinical trials for prostate cancer. Directly comparable to Sona's THT — both use injectable gold nanoparticles activated by NIR light to ablate solid tumors — differing primarily in particle geometry (nanoshells vs. nanorods) and clinical indication focus.
• DCN Diagnostics: Specialty manufacturer of gold nanoparticle conjugates and lateral flow assay development services for diagnostics developers. Directly competes with Sona's research-product line of CTAB-free gold nanorods and nanospheres serving the same in-vitro diagnostic and lateral flow development customer base.
• AnteoTech: Australia-based diagnostics and drug delivery company developing functionalized nanoparticle platforms, including lateral flow tests using proprietary binding chemistry. Listed as a Sona customer; comparable as both a gold nanoparticle reagent buyer and a competing supplier of activated-particle diagnostic and delivery technologies.
• MagForce AG: Commercially launched NanoTherm therapy for glioblastoma, using iron oxide nanoparticles activated by an alternating magnetic field to produce localized tumor hyperthermia. Closest commercial-stage peer to Sona's THT — both rely on nanoparticle-mediated local tumor heating as the therapeutic mechanism, despite different activation modalities.

Broad incumbents

• Bio-Rad Laboratories: Major life science tools and clinical diagnostics company with extensive gold nanoparticle reagent products, lateral flow assay materials, and ongoing investments in nanoparticle-enabled diagnostics. Significant incumbent in the same gold-nanoparticle reagents market where Sona sells research-use products.
• Expedeon (now Abcam/Part of Bio-Techne): Pre-acquisition Expedeon was a direct customer and competitor in gold nanoparticle reagents (Aurion, InnovaCoat) for diagnostics and life science research. Comparable product portfolio to Sona's research-use GNRs and nanospheres; now part of Bio-Techne with broader reagent reach.
• Nanobiotix: French/EU-listed nanomedicine leader developing NBTXR3 (hafnium oxide nanoparticles) as a radioenhancer for solid tumors, with broad oncology pipeline across multiple indications. A larger, well-capitalized nanomedicine platform pursuing physical-mechanism tumor destruction — overlapping with Sona's nanoparticle-based therapeutic approach but using radiation enhancement rather than photothermal hyperthermia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sonananotech
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCCK3VsReQEBrSY_gi5jWtFA
• LinkedInca.linkedin.com/company/sona-nanotech-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds9 records

Investors6 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sona Nanotech Ltd.