Othr-06. A New International, Multidisciplinary Accelerator Programme for Novel Brain Tumour Therapies

Abstract BACKGROUND Developing a comprehensive translational programme for brain tumours involves navigating numerous challenges, including robustness of preclinical studies, safety, clinical trial design, regulatory issues, and commercialisation. Recognising this journey can be difficult, the Brain Tumour Research Novel Therapeutics Accelerator (BTR-NTA) was launched. The BTR-NTA is an accelerator programme that provides independent guidance to de-risk drug or device development through systematic evaluation. The international, multidisciplinary BTR-NTA Committee spans the entire therapeutic development pathway to avoid a siloed approach to therapeutic development. Thanks to Brain Tumour Research funding, the BTR-NTA is free for academics and available at nominal cost for industry. METHODS Researchers at any stage of therapeutic development are invited to apply to BTR-NTA, and, if accepted, their application proceeds as follows: 1. The Applicant completes an application form covering work to date and future plans under a confidentiality agreement that protects the Applicant’s intellectual property; 2. The Applicant’s therapeutic is reviewed by the BTR-NTA Committee 3. The Applicant and BTR-NTA Committee meet in-person to discuss the Applicant’s work; and 4. The Applicant receives a comprehensive report with feedback on strengths, identification of potential risks, and guidance on next steps. The BTR-NTA Committee dedicates half a day to reviewing the Applicant’s work in-person, and extensive time pre- and post-meeting. RESULTS Following the launch of BTR-NTA in 2023 and review of the first therapies, we will report on impact to date, early learnings, and how we hope to grow BTR-NTA to accelerate novel brain tumour therapies globally. CONCLUSIONS The ultimate goal of BTR-NTA is to enable researchers with a potential therapy for brain tumours to navigate the development journey and successfully reach the clinic in an efficient way. It is hoped this programme will strengthen international collaboration and support the development of novel therapies to improve outcomes for brain tumour patients.