A NOVEL THERAPEUTICS ACCELERATOR TO SUPPORT A STRONGER BRAIN TUMOUR TREATMENT PIPELINE

Abstract

Abstract AIMS Despite several encouraging pre-clinical studies, few therapeutics make it to successful human trials. There is a need for a stronger new treatment pipeline to improve outcomes for patients with brain tumours. The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission have launched the Brain Tumour Research Novel Therapeutics Accelerator (BTR- NTA) to provide bespoke advice and support to scientists and help position their therapeutic along a realistic pathway to clinical trials METHOD The BTR-NTA programme is supported by an international committee of brain tumour, pre-clinical science, and pharmaceutical experts who meet twice yearly to review up to five novel brain tumour therapeutics. Both academic and industry applicants, at any stage of pre-clinical or clinical work, can apply and submit their work to date before meeting with the BTR-NTA committee to discuss their therapeutic and progress. The committee then provides a written feedback report with advice and recommendations on next steps. The committee will also facilitate connections with industry partners and funders where possible. RESULTS It is hoped that BTR-NTA will provide benefits for the whole brain tumour community by: increasing the number of brain tumour therapeutics reaching patients; providing applicants with constructive feedback so that avoidable pitfalls can be overcome; strengthening international relationships between academics, industry, government, and regulatory bodies; and de-risking investment into brain tumour therapeutics for funders. CONCLUSIONS The first BTR-NTA meeting will be held in November 2023, with applications opening mid-2023.