Brain Cancer Canada Awards $68,000 Research Grant for Clinical Trial of Anti-Cancer Vaccine Targeting DIPG, the Most Aggressive Pediatric Brain Cancer
TORONTO, May 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, on DIPG Awareness Day, Brain Cancer Canada is pleased to award $68,000 for an innovative research initiative led by Dr. Aru Narendran, MD, PhD, and Dr. Patrick Sipila, PhD, at The University of Calgary and Alberta Children's Hospital.
The project,
'Biological Correlative Studies to Improve Current Outcomes of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and High-Risk Brain Tumours with a Neoantigen-Based Anti-Cancer Vaccine in Clinical Trial,'
focuses on advancing a novel immunotherapy approach for some of the most aggressive childhood brain cancers.
DIPG is a devastating pediatric brain tumour, with fewer than 10% of children surviving two years post-diagnosis. As DIPG progresses, it severely impacts essential brain functions, making it increasingly difficult for children to see, walk, and even breathe.
Current treatment options, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy, offer only temporary or limited benefit, and survival rates have remained largely unchanged for decades, despite broader advances in cancer research.
In response to this urgent need, Dr. Narendran and Dr. Sipila's team are investigating a new anti-cancer vaccine designed to train a patient's immune system to recognize and eliminate tumour cells. Their research aims to validate the safety, activity, and potential clinical applications of this neoantigen-based immunotherapy. By providing critical biological insights into the vaccine's effectiveness, the project seeks to accelerate the development of promising new treatment options for children affected by DIPG and other high-risk brain tumours.
Dr. Narendran explains,
'Every advancement in DIPG research brings renewed hope for the entire brain cancer community. By discovering new and effective treatments, we aim to prove that even the toughest human challenges can be overcome through compassion, collaboration, and innovation. The progress we make today paves the way for tomorrow's cures, where no child's future is cut short by a brain cancer.'
This groundbreaking work represents an important step toward improving survival outcomes and offering renewed hope to families impacted by these devastating diagnoses.
Brain Cancer Canada acknowledges the tremendous contributions of grassroots fundraisers including Trinity's Army, the $9 Challenge, and Dr. Surya's 8th Charity Raffle that have made this award possible.
Immensely grateful for the support, Dr. Narendran explains the critical need for funding,
'Philanthropic organizations such as the Brain Cancer Canada give true hope for children fighting brain cancer, granting the crucial support needed to advance translational research and the preparation of innovative treatment protocols for the future. By funding collaborative efforts and high-risk, high-reward projects, your giving ensures that scientists and physicians continue to work to discover safer, more effective novel treatments for our patients.'
In recognition of DIPG Day, Brain Cancer Canada is proud to have The Peace Bridge connecting Canada and the U.S., Cabot Tower on Signal Hill in St. John's, NL, and the CN Tower Toronto, ON, illuminated in yellow. The lighting serves as a powerful symbol of awareness and solidarity in the fight against DIPG.
This announcement is part of a series of six grants announced during Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Brain Cancer Canada remains committed to driving forward innovative solutions and pursuing hope for those affected by brain cancer by investing in critically needed research.
About Brain Cancer Canada
Brain Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by primary malignant brain tumours by funding research, advocating for effective treatment options, and investing in neurosurgical technologies. Since 2015, Brain Cancer Canada has directed more than 2.4 million dollars to brain cancer research, to 25 projects at nine institutions, research centres, and hospitals across Canada.
More Information
For more detail about this and other research initiatives supported by Brain Cancer Canada, please visit
www.braincancercanada.ca
Media Contact:
angela@braincancercanada.ca
1-855-375-1381
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Ashvattha Therapeutics Presents Positive Interim Phase 2 Results for Subcutaneous Migaldendranib Treatment for DME and Wet-AMD at 2025 MaculArt Meeting
Monthly subcutaneous migaldendranib shows favorable safety with sustained efficacy through 24 weeks in patients with DME and wet-AMD Novel subcutaneous delivery may offer a more patient-friendly alternative to intravitreal injections, with the potential to significantly reduce treatment burden REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashvattha Therapeutics ('Ashvattha'), a clinical-stage company advancing a new class of nanomedicine therapeutics that traverse tissue barriers to selectively target and reprogram activated cells in regions of inflammation, today announced interim results from its ongoing Phase 2 study of subcutaneous (subQ) migaldendranib (MGB) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet-AMD). The data were presented at the MaculArt Meeting, June 29 – July 1, 2025 in Paris. MGB represents a potential alternative to current standard of care, which requires patients to receive intravitreal injections every 4 to 12 weeks in a clinical setting. MGB is a first-in-class subcutaneously administered candidate being developed for convenient, at-home monthly treatment of DME and wet AMD, aiming to reduce treatment burden while avoiding systemic side effects. Unlike current anti-VEGF therapies that require repeated intravitreal injections directly into the eye, subcutaneously (subQ) administered MGB provides a unique mechanism of action of normalizing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in activated macrophages, microglia and retinal pigment epithelial cells in the retina. By reducing VEGF expression, MGB reduces the need for anti-VEGF intravitreal injections improving patient adherence. Key Phase 2 Interim Results (24-week data): Data presented in the presentation titled ' Subcutaneous Migaldendranib (MGB) for the Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degenerations and Diabetic Macular Edema: Interim Results of Chronic Dosing Phase 2 Study' showed that subQ MGB demonstrated promising safety and tolerability in both DME and wet-AMD patients in the first 24 weeks of treatment. The study used more conservative supplement criteria compared to other recent clinical studies, with rescue anti-VEGF injections given when central subfield thickness increased above baseline, rather than the >75 μm increase from lowest value used in other studies. The interim analysis included 19 subjects who completed 24 weeks (11 wet AMD, 8 DME). Results: These interim results support MGB's potential in decreasing the need for supplemental intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF, suggesting a potential new treatment pathway for patients. End of study results will be presented at an upcoming conference. 'These results demonstrate a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of DME and wet-AMD patients,' said Jeff Cleland, PhD, CEO of Ashvattha Therapeutics. 'The interim Phase 2 data support the potential of subcutaneous MGB to offer patients a convenient, once-monthly alternative to frequent eye injections. By targeting inflammation and fluid accumulation in both eyes with a single systemic dose, we may be able to significantly reduce treatment burden and improve quality of life. We look forward to advancing this novel treatment for DME and wet-AMD and to bringing a new treatment forward for patients who need it most.' These data were also presented at the Clinical Trials at the Summit, June 21, 2025, in Las Vegas. About Ashvattha Therapeutics Ashvattha Therapeutics is advancing a new class of clinical-stage nanomedicine therapeutics that traverse tissue barriers to selectively target and reprogram activated cells only in regions of inflammation. Our targeted nanomedicine approach seeks to redefine precision medicine, empowering a new standard of care across ophthalmology, neurology, oncology, and inflammation. Ashvattha Therapeutics was founded by Kannan Rangaramanujam, Sujatha Kannan, and Jeff Cleland and incubated by Natural Capital. For more information, visit: Media ICR Healthcare [email protected] Investor Relations Aman Patel, CFA & Adanna G. Alexander, PhD ICR Healthcare [email protected]
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Artelo Biosciences Announces Positive First-in-Human Data for ART26.12, a Novel Non-Opioid Treatment Candidate for Persistent Pain
First Orally Active Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 Inhibitor Evaluated in Humans First-in-Class Approach Targets Unmet Need in Multibillion-Dollar Pain Management Market SOLANA BEACH, Calif., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Artelo Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTL), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on modulating lipid-signaling pathways to develop treatments for people living with cancer, pain, dermatological or neurological conditions, today announced favorable results from its first-in-human study evaluating ART26.12, a novel inhibitor of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5). The results affirm the promising safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile previously observed in preclinical studies. Inhibiting FABP5 represents a unique mechanism of action with ART26.12 standing out as a first-in-class candidate in the field of pain management. The Phase 1 Single Ascending Dose (SAD) study was designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ART26.12 in healthy volunteers. The SAD study enrolled 49 subjects. The key findings include: Andrew Yates, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Artelo, commented, 'We are greatly encouraged with the results of the SAD study with our lead FABP5 inhibitor and we are particularly pleased to observe that the safety and PK profile that had been generated from ART26.12's non-clinical studies translated well to the human experience.' ART26.12 is the first orally administered, selective, and peripherally restricted FABP5 inhibitor to enter human clinical evaluation. By targeting FABP5, ART26.12 modulates endogenous lipid signaling molecules that exert analgesic effects through established pathways, including TRPV1, PPAR alpha, and cannabinoid receptors, with additional mechanisms such as Nav1.8 under investigation. The chronic pain therapeutics market exceeded $97 billion globally in 2023 and is expected to surpass $159 billion by 20301, driven by the increasing prevalence of conditions such as neuropathic pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Despite the scale of the market, innovation remains sparse—particularly for non-opioid therapies. As part of the U.S Food and Drug Administration's Overdose Prevention Framework, the Agency has issued draft guidance aimed at encouraging the development of non-opioid analgesics for pain. ART26.12 is positioned to fill this gap with an innovative mechanism of action and favorable safety profile. A Multiple Ascending Dose study to further evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ART26.12 with repeated dosing over time is expected to commence in the fourth quarter this year. About ART26.12 ART26.12, Artelo's lead FABP5 inhibitor, is being developed as a novel, peripherally acting, non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic. The initial clinical development planned is for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). FABPs are a family of intracellular proteins that chaperone lipids important to normal cellular function. FABP is overexpressed and associated with abnormal lipid signaling in several pathologies. In addition to ART26.12 in CIPN, Artelo's extensive library of small molecule inhibitors of FABPs has shown therapeutic promise for the treatment of certain cancers, neuropathic and nociceptive pain, anxiety disorders, and psoriasis. ART26.12 has been included in Helping to End Addiction Long-term® (HEAL) Initiative's Preclinical Screening Platform for Pain program of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The HEAL program is dedicated to advancing non-opioid solutions to pain and curbing opioid use disorder. 1 About Artelo Biosciences Artelo Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of proprietary therapeutics that modulate lipid-signaling pathways. Artelo is advancing a portfolio of broadly applicable product candidates designed to address significant unmet needs in multiple diseases and conditions, including anorexia, cancer, anxiety, dermatologic conditions, pain, and inflammation. Led by proven biopharmaceutical executives collaborating with highly respected researchers and technology experts, the Company applies leading-edge scientific, regulatory, and commercial discipline to develop high-impact therapies. More information is available at and X: @ArteloBio. Forward-Looking StatementsInvestor Relations Contact: Crescendo Communications, LLC Tel: 212-671-1020 Email: [email protected]
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Wearable and Non-Invasive Technologies Set to Revolutionize the $37.5 Bn Market
The Global Diabetes Testing System Market, valued at USD 21.48 Billion in 2025, is projected to reach USD 33.19 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%. With rising diabetes prevalence, demand for innovative and user-friendly diagnostic solutions, like CGMs and AI-driven systems, is surging. North America dominates the market, while Asia-Pacific sees rapid expansion. Key trends include wearable technology, minimally invasive methods, and digital health integration, enhancing diabetes management. Diabetes Testing System Market Dublin, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Diabetes Testing System Market Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, and Forecast 2025-2034 | Global Industry Growth, Competitive Landscape, Opportunities, and Challenges" has been added to Global Diabetes Testing System Market is poised for significant growth, with its size valued at USD 21.48 billion in 2025. Anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.4%, the market is projected to reach USD 33.19 billion by 2034. Key factors propelling this growth include aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, rising obesity rates, and increased incidence of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes testing systems, crucial to the healthcare ecosystem, encompass blood glucose meters, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, test strips, lancets, and advanced digital platforms. These tools collectively facilitate effective diabetes management by delivering real-time, user-friendly testing solutions. Technological advancements in wearable devices, minimally invasive sampling, and digital health integration are reshaping diabetes management across healthcare settings. Notably, North America leads the market, bolstered by robust healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies, and high disease management awareness. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific experiences rapid growth due to improving healthcare access and urbanization, alongside burgeoning diabetes cases. The competitive landscape is marked by innovation and strategic initiatives, with companies launching connected devices offering real-time monitoring, mobile app integration, and remote physician access. A focus on non-invasive technology, AI-driven insights, and compact systems for personalized care defines current market dynamics. Future success hinges on regulatory trends, affordability, and patient-centric design innovations. Key Takeaways - Diabetes Testing System Market: Rising diabetes prevalence drives demand for accurate and accessible self-monitoring and clinical testing systems. Blood glucose meters and CGMs dominate the technology landscape in diabetes testing. Next-gen CGMs equipped with real-time data, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration enhance glucose tracking. Minimally invasive and needle-free systems are emerging to boost patient compliance and convenience. AI-driven analytics and personalized alerts enhance proactive glucose management and complication prevention. Cloud-based platforms promote data sharing between patients, caregivers, and clinicians for remote diabetes management. Challenges entail pricing pressure, regulatory approvals, and the demand for improved accuracy and calibration-free solutions. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 150 Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $21.48 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $37.54 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.4% Regions Covered Global Market Segmentation: By Product: Blood Glucose Monitors, Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems, Test Strips. By Application: Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes. By End User: Hospitals, Home Care, Diagnostic Centers. By Technology: Self-Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Smart Device Integration. By Distribution Channel: Online Retail, Pharmacies, Hospital Distributors. By Geography: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, South and Central America. Companies Featured Abbott Laboratories Roche Diabetes Care Dexcom, Inc. Medtronic plc Becton, Dickinson and Company Ascensia Diabetes Care LifeScan, Inc. Senseonics Holdings, Inc. ARKRAY, Inc. Nova Biomedical Corporation Ypsomed Holding AG GlucoMe Ltd. Nipro Corporation Terumo Corporation AgaMatrix, Inc. For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Diabetes Testing System Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
