The project
Find out more about our project, which challenges it is addressing, and the key innovations behind the GLIOBREAK solution.
Project summary
Adult glioblastoma (GBM)
GBM is a type of highly malignant, intrinsically resistant and inevitably recurring brain tumour. The survival rate is extremely low, with under 5% of five-year survival. Despite intensive research, the GBM treatment field has not achieved significant progress in patient outcomes for over more than two decades.
Based on novel insights from the GLIOMATCH project, the GLIOBREAK project aims at introducing a novel therapeutic modality by interfering with a potent immuno-epigenetic mechanism. In line with Europe’s Beating cancer plan, this project is a great example of how fundamental insights from tumor-host interactions can fuel into novel therapeutic options, thereby positioning Europe again at the forefront of GBM treatment.
114 k
new cases of GBM annually worldwide (26 k in Europe)
15 ~
months median survival in adults with GBM
5 %
survival after five years
A lack of targeted immunotherapy applications
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumour in adults, accounting for roughly 50% of all malignant brain tumours. GBM grows rapidly and diffusely into surrounding brain tissue, making complete surgical resection impossible. Extensive intratumoural heterogeneity (i.e. multiple co-existing cancer cell populations) drives early resistance to any single treatment. An immunosuppressive microenvironment further reduces treatment options.
Overcoming these challenges requires genuine mechanistic innovation — new targets, not better dosing of failed drugs.
A novel immuno-epigenetic approach combined with a companion diagnostic
By dismantling a key epigenetic regulator of tumour immune evasion, the small molecule BEA-17 restores anti-tumour immunity, turning a cold tumour into a hot target. Paired with an advanced biomarker strategy, GLIOBREAK aims to identify the patients most likely to benefit from the novel treatment — moving a new GBM treatment concept from bench to clinical application.
We are delighted to receive this prestigious EIC Transition award together with our eminent collaborators at KU Leuven. It is a significant validation of our immuno-epigenetic approach to glioblastoma, a disease with devastating outcomes where patients urgently need new therapeutic options.
Per Källblad, CEO · Beactica therapeutics
Two keys for success of the GLIOBREAK project
An effective drug
BEA-17: A small molecule with a novel mechanism of action
BEA-17 is a small molecule that disrupt and induces degradation of the LSD1/CoREST protein complex. Thus, unlike earlier LSD1 inhibitors that only block the enzyme's catalytic activity, BEA-17 eliminates the whole complex, removing both its enzymatic and scaffolding functions. Once LSD1/CoREST is gone, silenced immune genes reactivate and trigger innate immune sensors. Cytotoxic T cells can now recognise and attack the cancer.
This project will develop processes for synthesis of BEA-17 in larger batches, needed for future evaluation in clinical trials, and assess its safety and efficacy in animal models.
A companion diagnostic
Identifying patients responsive to treatment
The combined output of the biomarker programme is a defined CDx hypothesis: a specific assay, a specific patient signature, and pre-specified thresholds linked to likely therapeutic benefit. This work directly supports CDx conformity assessment under the EU In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR).
Entering Phase I with a prospective biomarker strategy, rather than retrofitting one after the trial, is a key differentiator of GLIOBREAK and positions the programme for accelerated regulatory dialogue and biomarker-stratified approval.