# FDA approves first oncolytic virus therapy

The US FDA approved the first oncolytic virus treatment, Imlygic, for advanced melanoma. The modified herpes virus infects and destroys cancer cells while potentially sparking an immune response. This marks a new class of cancer therapies and could open the door for similar viral treatments.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### Science
- [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41573-026-00136-z) — 2026-08-12