CureGBM develops a non‑invasive sonodynamic therapy (SDT) for glioblastoma, using low‑intensity focused ultrasound to activate the drug 5‑ALA that selectively accumulates in brain cancer cells, causing them to self‑destruct while sparing healthy tissue. The procedure is performed awake as an outpatient day‑case, offering a potential third‑line treatment after surgery and chemo/radiotherapy. CureGBM is currently running a safety trial (2026) for patients who have completed standard therapies.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Glioblastoma (GBM) patients have limited treatment options after surgery and chemo/radiotherapy, with median survival around 14 months and few therapies that can target residual tumor cells without harming healthy brain tissue.
Solution
CureGBM offers sonodynamic therapy (SDT), a non‑invasive outpatient procedure that uses focused ultrasound to activate the drug 5‑ALA, which preferentially accumulates in GBM cells. The ultrasound triggers a localized photochemical reaction that causes tumor cells to self‑destruct while sparing surrounding normal brain tissue. The treatment is performed while the patient is awake as a day‑case, eliminating the need for additional surgery or hospitalization. A safety trial slated for 2026 will evaluate SDT as a third‑line therapy for patients who have undergone maximal resection and standard chemo‑radiotherapy, aiming to extend survival and improve quality of life.
Target Audience
Primary customers are neuro‑oncology clinics and hospitals treating GBM patients who have completed surgery and chemo‑radiotherapy, as well as the patients themselves seeking additional therapeutic options.
Features
- Focused low‑intensity ultrasound device calibrated to penetrate the skull and target tumor regions precisely
- Use of 5‑ALA, an FDA‑approved drug that selectively accumulates in glioma cells, enabling tumor‑specific activation
- Outpatient, awake procedure performed as a day‑case, reducing hospital stay and procedural risk
- Real‑time monitoring of ultrasound delivery to ensure accurate dosing and protect healthy tissue
- Integrated patient support and advocacy throughout the clinical trial process