Invest & partnering
B&A Oncomedical is open to out-licensing opportunities and strategic partnerships for its COMBO and NKCCure programs. Turn innovation into value today and access our assets to co-develop the solutions of tomorrow.
COMBO
Dual Therapy Targeting Brain Tumors and Their Neuronal Microenvironment
- COMBO is an innovative dual-therapy strategy designed to treat aggressive brain tumors by targeting both tumor cells and their neuronal microenvironment.
- The program is being prepared for Phase I/II clinical development in aggressive brain tumors, including glioblastoma.
- Protected by international patents, COMBO program is available for out-licensing and strategic partnerships. We are seeking partners to advance clinical development and expand the applications of this neuro-oncology approach.
COMBO details
| Partnering status | Therapeutic Area | Development phase | Therapy type |
| Available for out-licensing Next milestones opened for co-development | Main sector: Oncology / Cancer Subsector: Brain cancer, other cancers | Preclinical + Early PoC in clinical compassionate trial | Small Molecule/NCE Repurposed Molecule |
| IP rights |
| The COMBO therapy & Dual-mechanism combination is protected by an international patent application covering the use of NKCC1 inhibitors in combination with microtubule inhibitors for use in the treatment of cancer. International PCT application: WO2024/02335 National phase entries: United States: US20240033238 Europe: EP4311548 / EP4561554 Component molecules repurposed with freedom-to-operate |
Product description
COMBO is an innovative dual-therapy strategy designed to treat aggressive brain tumors by targeting both tumor cells and their neuronal microenvironment.
The therapy combines the repurposed drugs Mebendazole and Bumetanide in a synergistic approach addressing two complementary mechanisms involved in brain tumor progression.
Mebendazole exerts anti-cancer activity by disrupting microtubule polymerization, thereby inhibiting tumor cell division and promoting apoptosis. Bumetanide inhibits the NKCC1 chloride co-transporter, restoring chloride homeostasis and reducing pathological neuronal hyperexcitability associated with tumor-neuron interactions.
This dual mechanism aims to both suppress tumor proliferation and modulate the peritumoral neuronal network that drives tumor growth, invasion, and therapy resistance.
Preclinical studies demonstrate synergistic anti-tumor effects and reduction of pathological network activity in tumor-associated neuronal circuits.
Early clinical observations from compassionate use suggest potential tumor reduction and neurological improvement with a favorable safety profile.
B&A Oncomedical is seeking strategic partners to advance clinical development and explore broader applications of this neuro-oncology therapeutic approach.
To learn more about the scientific aspect of the project by clicking here
Clinical trials/clinical strategy
The clinical development strategy for COMBO builds on the established safety profiles of its two components. Mebendazole has already been evaluated in a clinical study conducted at Johns Hopkins University demonstrating its safety in patients with brain tumors, while Bumetanide is an approved drug currently marketed for other indications.
B&A Oncomedical plans to advance the program into a Phase I/II clinical trial including an initial safety run-in phase to confirm the tolerability of the combination and define the optimal dosing regimen.
The study will then evaluate preliminary efficacy, with a particular focus on tumor response and the anti-invasive potential of the combination therapy.
Milestones
Achieved:
- Scientific foundation : brain tumor drives by tumor-neuron network & identification of NKCC1 therapeutic target
- Preclinical synergy demonstrated
- Early clinical PoC
Ongoing:
- Strategic program rebranding
- Engage with regulatory authorities and potential clinical sites.
- Strategic partnerships for co-development and clinical development
Next steps:
- Launch of a Multicenter Phase I/II clinical trial
Market Opportunity (TAM/SAM)
Brain tumors represent a high unmet medical need, especially aggressive forms like glioblastoma.
Global glioblastoma market projected at $1B+ by 2030, highlighting substantial commercial potential.
Repurposed Molecule Advantage:
- Clinically feasible and cost-efficient, leveraging existing safety and pharmacology data >>>Potential for accelerated development timelines.
- Supporting combination therapy strategies with SOC.
COMBO’s dual mechanism positions it as a first-in-class neuro-oncology therapy, offering a novel approach for patients.
Key publications
Berger, F., Lahrech, H., & Ben-Ari, Y. (2025). Treating aggressive brain tumors with the bumetanide/mebendazole combination: A new cytotoxic and anti-invasive network strategy. Journal of Cancer Research and Treatment, 10, 2305. https://doi.org/10.29011/2574-7754.102305
Bourgeois, W., Lozovaya, N., Silvano, M., Moumen, A., Delpire, E., Gay, E., Le Lann, F., Lazard, A., Hoffman, D., Zhukovsky, N., Berger, F., & Ben-Ari, Y. (2025). Dual targeting of brain tumors and their environment by bumetanide and mebendazole. Cancer Research Journal, 13(3), 98–122. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.crj.20251303.12
Are you interested in exploring this opportunity together?
NKCCure
Next-Generation NKCC1 Inhibitors
- NKCCure is a proprietary pipeline of next-generation NKCC1 inhibitors designed to restore chloride balance in neurons and address diseases linked to chloride dysregulation from epilepsy to peripheral and brain tumors.
- Protected by international patents, NKCCure program is available for out-licensing and strategic partnerships.
NKCCure details
| Partnering status | Therapeutic Area | Development phase | Therapy type |
| Available for out-licensing | Main sector: Oncology / Cancer Subsector: Brain cancer, other cancers | Pre IND – Preclinical | Small Molecule/NCE |
| IP rights |
| NKCCure is protected by international patent applications covering multiple uses of NKCC1-targeting compounds, their preparation methods, and their use as pharmaceuticals. International PCT applications: WO2025215115 – Compounds for use in the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, inflammation, epilepsy, and seizures WO2024079128 – New compounds, their preparation methods, and their use as pharmaceuticals (PCT/EP2023/078075, filed 10.10.2023) National phase entries: Europe: EP4601744 Canada: CA3270366 Japan: JP2025535127 |
Product description
NKCCure is a proprietary pipeline of next-generation NKCC1 inhibitors designed to restore chloride balance in neurons and address diseases linked to chloride dysregulation. NKCC1, the “gatekeeper of chloride balance,” plays a central role in neuronal excitability, and its dysregulation is implicated in brain tumors, epilepsy, and other CNS conditions.
The NKCCure portfolio includes 120 novel NKCC1 inhibitors developed in collaboration with world-renowned experts and Edelris, a leader in chemical compound design. These compounds demonstrate enhanced potency and specificity, with confirmed NKCC1 inhibition up to 120% more effective than parent compounds, and robust anti-epileptic activity.
The NKCCure program is protected by international patent applications covering novel compounds, their preparation methods, and therapeutic uses across neurology, oncology, and other indications related to chloride imbalance.
Key Highlights:
- 120 novel compounds targeting NKCC1
- Demonstrated enhanced efficacy in human cell line.
- Broad therapeutic potential across neurology, oncology, and high-unmet-need CNS-disorders
- Patented with global coverage for novel compounds and their applications
To learn more about the scientific aspect of the project by clicking here
Clinical trials/clinical strategy
Our NKCC1 program has successfully created and validated a series of novel inhibitors with superior efficacy compared to the parent compound, demonstrating up to 120% increased activity in human cell lines. Preclinical studies confirm robust anti-epileptic activity, with multiple compounds showing significant reductions in epileptiform events.
Lead Selection:
We have identified the 10 most promising candidates, with full pharmacological characterization ongoing to select the optimal compounds for clinical progression.
Co-Development / Licensing Opportunity:
We are seeking partners to advance IND-enabling studies, optimize formulations, and define clinical development plans.
Vision:
Our long-term goal is to develop proprietary NKCC1 inhibitors optimized for neurological and oncological indications, leveraging their broad therapeutic potential and multi-application profile to maximize impact and market reach.
Milestones
Achieved:
- Scientific foundation: identification of NKCC1 therapeutic target
- Design and synthesis of120 novel targeting NKCC1 compounds
- Validation of NKCC1 inhibition, with some compounds demonstrating greater potency than the parent molecule
- Demonstration of preclinical anti-epileptic activity
Ongoing:
- Full pharmacological characterization of the 10 most promising candidates
Nex steps:
- Advance IND-enabling studies
- Optimize formulations
- Define clinical development plans
Market Opportunity (TAM/SAM)
High Unmet Medical Need
Disorders associated with dysregulated chloride balance, such as cancers, epilepsy, remain underserved by current therapies.
Commercial Implication
Large addressable market in oncology
Novel Mechanism
The new molecules target NKCC1 with superior inhibition, offering a first-in-class potential for oncology and beyond.
Broad Therapeutic Potential
Optimized for oncology indications.
Potential applications in other disorders where chloride homeostasis is disrupted.
Strategic Advantages
Early-stage Pre-IND molecules allow freedom to optimize composition for maximal efficacy and safety.
Key publications: Publication in progress
