The collaboration combines BioArctic’s proprietary BrainTransporter technology with an antibody, developed with Mesenkia’s KITAIbodies platform. The antibody targets HVEM, a protein found on the surface of certain glioblastoma tumor cells, including tumor stem cells. By addressing these cells, which are thought to contribute to tumor recurrence and treatment resistance, the project aims to unlock new treatment possibilities for patients with a very high unmet medical need.

Under the agreement, BioArctic will be responsible for generating a novel drug candidate by combining its BrainTransporter technology with Mesenkia’s antibody. BioArctic and Mesenkia thereafter plan to perform preclinical studies to validate the concept and, based on the results of these studies, decide on next steps.

This research collaboration represents an important step in expanding BioArctic’s BrainTransporter pipeline into oncology and further validates the platform’s potential beyond neurodegenerative diseases. It also builds on BioArctic’s core expertise in development and delivery of pharmaceuticals to the brain.

“We are excited to broaden our research and take a first step into oncology through this collaboration,” says Gunilla Osswald, Chief Executive Officer of BioArctic. “Glioblastoma remains one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis for those affected. By combining our BrainTransporter technology with Mesenkia’s innovative antibody approach, we aim to target key disease-driving mechanisms to develop new ways to treat this devastating disease.”

“This agreement marks an important step for Mesenkia and creates clear opportunities to explore a new treatment strategy for patients with glioblastoma together with BioArctic. The need for new treatments is substantial, particularly given the challenge of delivering medicines to tumor cells throughout the brain. By combining Mesenkia’s antibody expertise with BioArctic’s BrainTransporter technology, we can address one of the disease’s key barriers in a new way. We look forward to advancing the concept together with BioArctic, with the long-term goal of enabling better treatment options for patients and their loved ones,” says Moa Fransson, Chief Executive Officer of Mesenkia.