Hemispherian receives 1.3 million NOK in public funding to establish and optimize synthesis of new drug family to treat Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

Hemisperian’s mission is to develop the first GBM drug for both adults and children, to improve its <<universally miserable outcomes>>. Hemispherian has discovered a novel family of compounds that are cytotoxic to cancer cells, especially to GBM. In preclinical studies, Hemispherian’s lead candidate GLIX1 showed total elimination of the GBM tumour mass in 50% of mice, and tumour regression in all mice.

We need to further develop GLIX1 in order to reach human clinical trials, and ultimately approval for clinical use. The critical aspects of this development include: the establishment and optimization of a chemical synthesis method for GLIX1 and subsequent large-scale production for pre-clinical studies; and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) related regulatory affairs.

Currently, we do not have these skills in-house, albeit they are extremely critical for drug development success. In that regard, the SME Innovation Associate Programme from European Commission fits perfectly into our plan of boosting chemical synthesis R&D. Public funding of 1.3 million NOK will be used to develop our novel chemical synthesis method and the advancement of our ground-breaking treatment for GBM.