EXTH-19. AN INTERNATIONAL ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME FOR RESEARCHERS DEVELOPING NOVEL THERAPIES FOR BRAIN TUMOURS

Abstract Developing a comprehensive translational programme for brain tumours involves navigating numerous challenges, including robustness of preclinical studies, safety, clinical trial design, understanding and addressing regulatory requirements, and funding. Recognising the difficulty of this journey, the Brain Tumour Research Novel Therapeutics Accelerator (BTR-NTA) was launched in 2023. The BTR-NTA is an accelerator programme providing independent expert guidance to de-risk drug or device development through systematic evaluation. The international, multidisciplinary BTR-NTA Committee spans expertise across the entire therapeutic development pipeline. Supported by Brain Tumour Research, the BTR-NTA programme is free for academic applicants. Researchers at any stage of therapeutic development may apply to BTR-NTA. Accepted applicants proceed as follows: 1. Applicants outline their current and prospective data and findings. The proposal and all supporting materials are covered under a confidentiality agreement that protects applicants’ intellectual property; 2. Proposals are reviewed by the BTR-NTA Committee; 3. Applicants and BTR-NTA Committee meet in-person to constructively evaluate the work; and 4. Applicants receive a comprehensive report with feedback on strengths, identification of potential risks, and guidance on next steps. The BTR-NTA Committee dedicates time for in-person meetings with each applicant, and extensive time pre- and post-meeting. Since the launch of BTR-NTA in 2023,14 international groups have applied to the programme and seven therapies have been advanced to the in-person review by the BTR-NTA Committee. Of the applicants who provided feedback on the BTR-NTA programme, all intended to adjust or refine their future work based on the Committee’s input and the average rating of the programme’s helpfulness was 9.5 out of 10. The ultimate goal of BTR-NTA is to help researchers with a potential therapy for brain tumours to navigate the development journey and reach the clinic in an efficient way. This programme will support the development of novel therapies to improve outcomes for patients with brain tumours.