NeuroPASS: a refillable cranial drug-delivery device for glioblastoma patients
Official title: Center for Innovative NeuroTech Advancement - CINTA (18716 CraniUS-Yr2)
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11568220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new refillable device implanted in the skull delivers cancer-fighting drugs to people with recurrent glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,499,648 |
| NIH project number | 3U54EB033650-05SF |
| Project ID | NIH-11568220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with recurrent glioblastoma who are eligible for a first-in-human trial of the NeuroPASS device.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without recurrent glioblastoma or those not pursuing cranial implanted drug-delivery options may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to finalize development and verification of a cranially implanted pump called NeuroPASS, designed to deliver medications directly to the brain tumor site. The team is preparing for a first-in-human trial by validating pump reliability, accuracy, sterilization, and long-term performance in support of patient safety. In Year 2, they completed most preclinical tests and are conducting remaining flow and durability assessments to ensure the device will work safely in real patients. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate readiness for drug-device testing in humans while ensuring regulatory and manufacturing milestones are met.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the NeuroPASS could provide targeted, controllable drug delivery for glioblastoma patients, potentially improving treatment effectiveness and reducing systemic side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in implantable drug-delivery devices have shown promise in delivering localized therapy, with ongoing work to establish safety and reliability for brain applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schachter, Steven C. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Schachter, Steven C.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.