At Rosalind Franklin University's Helix 51 biomedical incubator, researchers are developing a Zika virus-based approach for glioblastoma that is progressing toward possible human clinical trials.

/PRNewswire/ - A virus often associated with neurological risks may provide a novel strategy against one of the toughest brain cancers to treat.

UP Oncolytics, a biotech firm located at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science's Helix 51 incubator, has secured $2.5 million in Phase II support via a National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovation Research Fast-Track award. This funding will propel an experimental Zika virus therapy aimed at glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer.

The grant supports efforts to translate promising preclinical findings into human trials for this oncolytic virotherapy method, which harnesses viruses to target cancer cells specifically.

Glioblastoma remains notoriously resistant to standard care. Even with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, median survival hovers around 15 months after diagnosis, with only about 5 percent of patients reaching five years. Roughly 13,000 new cases occur each year in the United States, highlighting the demand for innovative options.

A major hurdle is the blood-brain barrier that blocks many medications. UP Oncolytics is testing whether a modified Zika virus, capable of interacting with brain cells, can selectively attack tumor cells while sparing healthy ones. Development emphasizes safety measures to avoid uncontrolled infection.

"This award supplies vital resources to advance our oncolytic Zika platform toward clinical testing," noted Parvez Akhtar, PhD, chief scientific officer at UP Oncolytics and lead investigator. "Preclinical data show strong anti-tumor effects, and we aim to finish required studies to bring this option nearer to glioblastoma patients."

The $2.5 million from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke extends two more years of work, following an initial $500,000 award.

Funds will support completion of studies needed for an Investigational New Drug submission to the FDA.

Richard Rovin, MD, neurosurgeon and CEO of UP Oncolytics, stressed the urgency: "I treat many patients and families facing GBM, so I see the clear demand for better therapies. This funding confirms our direction and speeds progress toward trials."

The company holds FDA Orphan Drug Designation for one viral strain targeting malignant gliomas, offering development incentives without implying approval.

Based at Helix 51 within RFU's Innovation and Research Park, UP Oncolytics exemplifies how early research can move toward patient application.

"This substantial NIH award should speed UP Oncolytics' efforts to create new options for this lethal cancer and help start human trials soon," said Janice Urban, PhD, RFU interim executive vice president for research. "It offers hope where prior approaches have fallen short over two decades."

About UP Oncolytics

UP Oncolytics Inc. was established in 2022 by Dr. Richard Rovin and Dr. Parvez Akhtar. The firm focuses on oncolytic virus therapies for rare, hard-to-treat cancers such as glioblastoma. More details are available at uponc.com.

About Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science serves populations worldwide by training health and biomedical professionals and advancing knowledge to enhance wellness. Founded in Chicago in 1912, it draws inspiration from Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose work aided DNA structure discovery. Known for neuroscience, brain disease, genetic disorder, diabetes, obesity, and mobility research, the university encompasses Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Further information is at rosalindfranklin.edu.

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SOURCE Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science