Brain Tumour Research is pleased to announce that QV Bioelectronics (QV), a participant in the inaugural application round of the Brain Tumour Research – Novel Therapeutics Accelerator (BTR-NTA) programme, has secured a substantial funding boost of £1.26 million from Innovate UK’s Biomedical Catalyst programme.
Through the BTR-NTA programme, research groups that have a new therapeutic, device or idea for brain tumour treatment can apply to have their research robustly reviewed by academic, clinical, patient and industry experts.
The funding boost received by QV is aimed at preparing for the first in-human trial of its implanted device, GRACE.
GRACE – Glioma Resection Advanced Cavity Electric Field Therapy – is a surgically implanted device designed to deliver electric field therapy directly to the tumour margins. This approach seeks to disrupt cancer cell division whilst preserving healthy tissue, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
In November 2023, the QV team applied to participate in the BTR-NTA review programme, seeking guidance on how to better position their device on a successful path to clinical trials. They received feedback on manufacturing and attracting funders, alongside expert guidance on the next steps for preclinical safety and efficacy, and the design of the first in-human trial.
Dr Karen Noble, Director of Research, Policy and Innovation at Brain Tumour Research, said: "We are glad to see the progress made by GRACE and the support from the Biomedical Catalyst programme. This demonstrates a tangible impact of the BTR-NTA programme, and we look forward to seeing how this technology continues to develop and translates to patients.”
Funded by Brain Tumour Research and delivered in partnership with the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM), the BTR-NTA programme is designed to provide expert advice to research groups, facilitating the progression of therapeutics into human trials and bridging the 'Valley of Death' in the research pipeline.
Discover more about the myriad ways we've worked with scientists, clinicians and bioinformaticians to improve outcomes for brain tumour patients since our inception, in Closer to a Cure – 15 Years of Impact.
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