BioLineRx and Hemispherian Form Joint Venture to Advance Novel Glioblastoma Treatment

Israeli pharmaceutical company BioLineRx has announced a strategic partnership with Norwegian biotech firm Hemispherian to develop a promising new cancer treatment. The collaboration, revealed on September 29, 2025, centers around GLIX1, a small molecule candidate targeting glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

Joint Venture Structure and Asset Development

Under the terms of the agreement, BioLineRx will take the lead in managing, funding, and executing all development activities for GLIX1. The Israeli company will initially hold a 40% stake in the joint venture, with provisions to increase its ownership to 70% as it invests further in the program. Hemispherian, meanwhile, retains global rights to the asset.

Philip Serlin, CEO of BioLineRx, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Following a comprehensive review of pipeline expansion opportunities in oncology and rare diseases, we are thrilled to have identified a highly innovative asset such as GLIX1, with the potential to become an effective and safe treatment option for cancer patients with high unmet needs."

GLIX1: A Promising Candidate for Brain Cancer Treatment

GLIX1 has already shown significant promise in preclinical studies. The small molecule can cross the blood-brain barrier and targets a DNA repair mechanism in cancer cells. Hemispherian CEO Zeno Albisser highlighted the drug's potential, noting its "impressive efficacy and favorable safety profile in preclinical models."

The candidate received investigational new drug approval from the FDA in August 2025 and has secured orphan drug designations from both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency, underscoring its potential in addressing an area of high unmet medical need.

Upcoming Clinical Trials and Future Prospects

BioLineRx and Hemispherian are poised to launch a phase 1/2a trial for GLIX1 in glioblastoma patients in the first quarter of 2026. The study, to be led by the Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University, will enroll approximately 30 patients in its phase 1 portion to assess safety and determine optimal dosing.

The phase 2a expansion will explore GLIX1's efficacy in three distinct cohorts: recurrent GBM, newly diagnosed GBM in combination with standard of care, and in combination with PARP inhibitors for other solid tumors. The companies anticipate initial phase 1 data to be available in the first half of 2027.

Beyond glioblastoma, the partners plan to investigate GLIX1's potential in treating other solid tumors, broadening its possible therapeutic applications. Additionally, the joint venture agreement grants BioLineRx first-look rights at other assets in Hemispherian's pipeline, which currently includes three additional preclinical candidates.