QBS-72S for newly diagnosed glioblastoma with unmethylated MGMT promoter

Phase 1b/2a Trial of QBS-72S for the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme in Patients with Unmethylated MGMT Promoters

NIH-funded research Quadriga Biosciences, INC. · NIH-10918037

A new drug called QBS-72S is being given to people with newly diagnosed glioblastoma whose tumors lack MGMT promoter methylation.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionQuadriga Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Altos, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10918037 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If I join, doctors would give QBS-72S—an experimental chemotherapy designed to cross the blood–brain barrier and kill tumor cells even when standard temozolomide is resisted. The drug uses a nitrogen-mustard mechanism to create DNA crosslinks and is carried into the brain by the LAT-1 transporter, which helps it reach tumors while sparing much normal tissue in lab tests. This early-phase trial will focus on testing safety, finding appropriate dosing, and looking for early signals that the drug helps tumors shrink or slows their growth. Participation would likely involve regular clinic visits, scans, blood tests, and other monitoring over weeks to months.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with a new diagnosis of glioblastoma whose tumor testing shows an unmethylated MGMT promoter and who meet the trial's health and eligibility requirements.

Not a fit: People with methylated MGMT promoters, recurrent GBM, significant other medical problems, or those unable to tolerate experimental therapy are less likely to benefit from this trial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, QBS-72S could provide an effective treatment option that improves survival for patients with GBM whose tumors are resistant to temozolomide.

How similar studies have performed: Some alkylating drugs that cross the blood–brain barrier have been used before, but QBS-72S's LAT-1–assisted delivery and MGMT-independent action are novel and mainly supported by preclinical data so far.

Where this research is happening

Los Altos, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.