SurVaxM

Recent therapeutic advances from Merck, Kazia Therapeutics, and others offer hope for glioblastoma patients, with small molecules, immunotherapies, and oncolytic viruses showing potential. Kazia's paxalisib and Merck's MOD-246 are notable, while cell and gene therapies like CAR T cells and CorriXR's gene therapy are emerging as next frontiers. Immunotherapies and vaccines are also being developed to target glioblastoma's immunosuppressive effects, with the market expected to grow to $5.7 billion by 2033.

Dr. Robert Fenstermaker and Dr. Michael Ciesielski developed SurVaxM, a brain cancer vaccine that doubles survival time in adults with glioblastoma. The vaccine, granted orphan status by the FDA, works by triggering the immune system to target survivin, a protein essential for tumor survival. A clinical trial for multiple myeloma and another for neuroendocrine tumors are underway. Dr. Clare Twist is leading a pilot trial to test SurVaxM in pediatric brain tumor patients, focusing on safety and potential efficacy in high-risk groups.