NeOnc Technologies is pioneering a novel nasal spray drug delivery system aimed at revolutionizing the treatment of glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer. Founded by Dr. Thomas Chen, Professor of Neurosurgery and Pathology at the University of Southern California, the company is focused on overcoming the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier, which has historically limited the effectiveness of systemic therapies for brain tumors.
Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective mechanism that prevents many substances, including therapeutic drugs, from reaching the brain. Dr. Chen explains, "The blood-brain barrier keeps various pathogens away from our brain... But in the case of brain cancer, where the disease is in the brain, we're trying to get drugs or other biologics to the target, and the blood-brain barrier's preventing that."
NeOnc's innovative approach involves a nasal spray that leverages the olfactory nerve to deliver drugs directly to the brain, bypassing the BBB. "We're developing therapies with the potential of bypassing the blood-brain barrier by doing what we call nasal-brain delivery," Dr. Chen states. "The idea is that you're inhaling the compound and letting your cranial nerves deliver the drug to the brain."
Clinical Trial Results and FDA Fast Track Designation
Early clinical trial results have been promising. While Dr. Chen acknowledges the trials are not double-blind due to the terminal nature of the patients' conditions, he reports encouraging outcomes. "The results look good so far... we are prolonging lives, but we have had a couple of patients where essentially their tumors went away on MRI scan, and we're still following these patients. We also had three patients that were doing this treatment, and they were alive for three to four years after treatment. That is almost unheard of for somebody that's supposed to die after six to eight months."
The FDA has recognized the potential of this approach by granting Fast Track designation to NeOnc's trial process. According to Amir F. Heshmatpour, Board Director of NeOnc, "This means that once we complete Phase 2A, it is likely the FDA will request a Phase 2B trial involving approximately 70 patients. Assuming successful completion of these trials, we will apply to the FDA for the possibility of bringing the drug to market."
Patient Convenience and Future Directions
The nasal spray is designed for convenient at-home use, reducing the burden on patients with terminal cancer. "The protocol is that patients treat it four times a day... and it's a 20-minute treatment at a time, and they just do the treatment at home," Dr. Chen explains.
NeOnc is also advancing a new platform specifically targeting pediatric brain cancer, which is currently in early trial phases. The company believes this represents a significant step forward in the fight against glioblastoma, offering renewed hope to patients and their families.
