Project description
Testing a novel drug delivery platform for glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain tumour with an extremely poor prognosis. The aggressiveness and location of the tumour hamper the efficacy of available treatments. The EU-funded TARGLIO project has developed SI053, a unique polymer matrix that contains the first-line chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide. SI053 delivers the drug locally, overcoming the blood–brain barrier and avoiding the toxic side effects associated with systemic administration. The TARGLIO drug delivery platform can be applied immediately after surgery and continues to slowly release the drug. The project is undertaking a clinical trial to validate the safety and efficacy of SI053, supporting its commercialisation and clinical application.
Objective
The aim of this project is to develop a business plan to guide clinical development and commercialisation of SI053; a novel gel formulation for the treatment of the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer called glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma affects approximately 2-3 people in every 100,000 each year in Europe and has an extremely poor prognosis. 50% of patients die within a year and 90% die within three years. A combination of treatments are used to treat patients but are limited in their efficacy due to the physical location of the tumour and the aggressiveness of the condition.
Double Bond has developed SI053, a unique polymer matrix that contains temozolomide to locally treat brain tumours without harming healthy tissue. Temozolomide is a first line, highly potent chemotherapeutic. When administered systemically, it is highly toxic to healthy tissue and its final concentration is significantlly reduced since it has to cross the blood brain barrier. Also, it cannot be administered right after surgery, delaying chemotherapy by a few weeks. Double Bond’s drug delivery platform allows a high concentration of temozolomide to be released slowly and directly to the tumour right after surgery. Research to date on SI053’s use as a treatment for glioblastoma has been highly promising. Double Bond now aims to clinically validate SI053 in a clinical trial, demonstrating proof of concept.
The current proposed Phase 1 project will facilitate in the development process and help define clinical and business strategies. SME Instrument funding will allow SI053 to take a substantial step along the path of commercialisation.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
75450 UPPSALA
Sweden
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.