TORONTO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Clinical trials of new brain tumour drugs, currently underway by clinicians in the Canadian Brain Tumour Consortium (CBTC) validate the existing demand in the Canadian medical research community for effective therapies to combat these often fatal diseases.
CBTC specialists are investigating surgical procedures, medications and cytotoxins to treat brain cancer and ultimately increase survival and quality of life in patients.
Illinois based NeoPharm Incorporated is the sponsor of a worldwide clinical study (the PRECISE trial), facilitated in Canada by the CBTC, testing a tumour-targeted cytotoxin for the treatment of the most common form of brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme. NeoPharm recognizes the significant contribution of the 8 Canadian institutions, as well as patients, to this pivotal Phase III study of IL13-PE38QQR. “We are pleased to be associated with the CBTC, a leader in clinical research focused on innovative treatments for brain tumours,” said Gregory P. Young, CEO of NeoPharm.
In addition, CBTC negotiated to bring a promising new treatment to Canada, which is aimed at preventing the common disabling symptoms of steroid medication side effects. This study is sponsored by California-based Neurobiological Technologies Incorporated (NTI). “We are particularly pleased with the working relationship we have with CBTC in Canada. Over 25 neuro- oncology sites in Canada and the U.S. have signed on to participate in this novel dexamethasone-sparing study with Xerecept(TM)”, says Dr. Lisa Carr, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice-President of Medical Affairs at NTI.
“Innovation in funding research is critical if Canadians are going to continue to benefit from the medical minds in our country,” said Dr. James Perry, CBTC Chairman. “We have become concerned by the lack of access to new and emerging therapies in Canada. The CBTC brings new enthusiasm to the clinical trial scene, and investigating new and effective treatments will ultimately improve the quality of life for our patients with brain tumours.”
The CBTC is a national clinical research network of leading brain tumour specialists, treating children and adults. Founded in 1999, the CBTC has over 100 brain tumour specialists and researchers.
As a non-profit independent research network, the CBTC is welcome in an industry that is seeking innovative methods to fund its research while meeting the need of its physician-members, pharmaceutical firms and patients. Using the ConsortiaKit(TM), a suite of customizable templates and consulting services for enabling research consortia, CBTC delivers a service that engages a business to business relationship with pharmaceutical sponsors.
Essential to finding a prospective new treatment is the expedited review of industry sponsored trials. This is a rigorous evaluation of promising therapies that are critically assessed by the consortium, and then priority ranked for scientific merit before a decision is made by the CBTC to bring new treatments to Canadian patients.
Canadian Brain Tumour Consortium (CBTC)
CONTACT: Dr. James Perry - Chairman, Canadian BrainTumour Consortium, http://www.cbtc.ca/, Email: hq@cbtc.ca, (416) 480-4766
