Abstract BACKGROUND Researchers developing novel therapies for brain tumours must navigate numerous challenges, including selection of suitable preclinical studies, safety, clinical trial design, evolving regulatory landscapes, and securing sustained funding. To address these barriers and accelerate progress, the Brain Tumour Research Novel Therapeutics Accelerator (BTR-NTA) was launched in 2023. The BTR-NTA is an international therapeutics accelerator offering structured, independent, multidisciplinary input to support and de-risk the development of novel therapies for brain tumours. The BTR-NTA Committee comprises experts spanning discovery science, preclinical and clinical development, regulatory, manufacturing, and patient involvement. Supported by Brain Tumour Research, participation in BTR-NTA is free for academic groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS Industry and academic researchers at any stage of therapeutic development may submit their therapy for a BTR-NTA review. The Committee select eight therapies each year to receive up to 240 hours of expert input, including detailed assessment of the therapies’ strengths, identification of potential risks, and guidance on next steps. Central to the process is an in-person meeting with each research group and the BTR-NTA Committee, during which the proposed therapy is constructively discussed in a collaborative setting. This supportive model aims to strengthen therapies’ translational potential and clinical readiness. RESULTS Since its inception, the accelerator has received 29 requests for support from international groups developing new brain tumour therapies. Eleven therapies have been progressed to full review, and 37 multidisciplinary experts have provided input and guidance. One hundred percent of participants reported intentions to refine their research and development strategy based on BTR-NTA input, and 86% gained new insights or ideas previously unconsidered. Early indicators of BTR-NTA’s downstream impact include successful follow-on funding, strategic redesign of therapeutic approaches, and the formation of new patient involvement partnerships. In addition, the programme has identified recurring challenges across translational programmes that are now being synthesised to inform and benefit the broader neuro-oncology community. CONCLUSION The BTR-NTA provides a novel, structured approach to support researchers developing brain tumour therapies. Early results highlight the value of multidisciplinary input in strengthening translational strategies and accelerating progress toward clinical impact in neuro-oncology.
Aitken et al. (Wed,) studied this question.