Brain Tumour Research has awarded £516,000 over the next three years to fund a pioneering programme that aims to speed up the development of new drugs and devices for people affected by brain tumours.
Turning a promising discovery into a treatment available to patients is a complex process, which can be slowed by scientific, regulatory and funding hurdles, and no single research team can be an expert every step of the way.
The Brain Tumour Research Novel Therapeutics Accelerator (BTR-NTA) programme, run in partnership with the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM), is designed to overcome this challenge. Funded by Brain Tumour Research, it offers expert, independent advice on a range of topics from laboratory research to navigating the UK regulatory framework, helping academic and industry teams accelerate the development of new drugs and devices.
Delivering impact where it matters
This new investment builds on the £400,000 invested to launch the BTR-NTA in 2023. Since its launch, the programme has supported researchers from around the globe and reviewed 22 innovative therapies. Those projects have gone on to secure more than £70 million in follow-on funding – significant investment which is driving forward the next generation of brain tumour treatments. Critically, one reviewed therapy is now preparing to enter its first-in-human clinical trial, while another has already treated its first patient.
100% of research teams reported that BTR-NTA review influenced their preclinical and clinical development plans.
Building on success and expanding expertise
The BTR-NTA is shaping how research teams develop potential new therapies and this new investment will enable its impact to grow even further.
Over the next three years, the programme will expand its network of international experts, bringing together even more specialists with experience in translating discoveries from the laboratory into real-world treatments. It will also grow its observer scheme, giving early-career researchers and clinicians a unique opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in drug development and translational research.
“The meeting gave me a better understanding of how translational research works in a real-world setting and how different areas of expertise come together. It was motivating to see the focus on improving outcomes and moving research towards clinical impact.”
- Feedback from an Early Career Researcher, May 2026
The impact of the programme will extend well beyond its review meetings. Plans are in place to increase educational and knowledge-sharing activities, helping researchers across the brain tumour field gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of developing new therapies.
Ultimately, the BTR-NTA will support our research aim to increase the number of treatments reaching clinical trials and speed up patient access to innovative therapies. Read more about our aims in our Research Strategy, From Discovery to a Cure 2026–2031.
Our Director of Research and Policy, Dr Karen Noble said: “The goal of BTR-NTA remains clear – it is designed to help researchers navigate the complex path of therapeutic development as efficiently as possible and accelerate the delivery of innovative treatments for people affected by brain tumours. With this new £516,000 investment, the programme is well positioned to build on its early successes and bring more promising therapies one step closer to the clinic.”
Dr Nicky Huskens, CEO of TJBCM said: “The unique partnership between Brain Tumour Research and Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission has resulted in a programme that researchers can access from across the world to support the development of promising new therapies. I am really excited regarding the future potential of these therapies and hope to see many enter clinical trials over the years to come. It is a real privilege to help deliver on Brain Tumour Research's new research strategy to accelerate the development of new treatments.”
Applications for the current round of BTR-NTA funding are open until Friday 7th August 2026. To find out more and apply, click here.
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