A new discovery

Ion channels are pore-forming proteins that control the flow of small molecules, like sodium, in and out of cells. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved over 700 drugs that target ion channels, which are already safely used by doctors to treat human disease. “Repurposing” these pre-approved drugs to treat brain cancer will fast-track the movement of new lifesaving treatments into the clinic.

Our research has shown that one ion channel drug (DPI-201-106) that blocks sodium channels prevents the growth of brain cancer cells in the laboratory and in animal models of brain cancer.  Our breakthrough discovery is the demonstration that this ion channel drug improves the cell-killing properties of other drugs, especially those drugs that prevent the repair of genetic material inside the cell. These drug combinations were found to be effective treatments for brain cancer in experimental models.
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We aim to move these drug combinations into the clinic and to ultimately save the lives of adults and children with brain cancer. Our manuscript describing this work should be out in early 2025.