New treatment for aggressive brain tumors using Zika virus
Official title: Validation of a novel treatment for glioblastoma using oncolytic Zika virus
Funded at Up Oncolytics, INC. · NIH-10920797 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using a special virus that targets and kills glioblastoma brain tumor cells while leaving healthy cells alone, and it's for patients looking for new options to fight this tough cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Up Oncolytics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $500,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R44NS137868-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920797 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme who have limited treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The approach utilizes oncolytic Zika virus, which is designed to selectively target and destroy GBM cells while sparing healthy cells. The study aims to overcome significant treatment challenges, such as crossing the blood-brain barrier and addressing the tumor's immunoinhibitory environment. Patients may be involved in trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of this innovative therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of oncolytic viruses in cancer treatment is a growing field, this specific approach using Zika virus for glioblastoma is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Up Oncolytics, INC.
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akhtar, Parvez — Up Oncolytics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Akhtar, Parvez
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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.