Dr. Noriyuki Kasahara of UCSF has received $11.8 million from CIRM to target newly diagnosed high‑grade gliomas. These aggressive brain and spinal cord cancers are extremely hard to treat.

The grant supports research on DB107, formerly Toca 511, an innovative gene therapy that selectively targets tumor cells. The therapy delivers an enzyme that converts a harmless compound into a potent cancer‑killing drug inside the cancer cells.

This first‑in‑human clinical trial will test the safety and effectiveness of the therapy in patients with newly diagnosed high‑grade gliomas. The trial will take place at UCSF, USC, and UCSD.

“This first‑in‑human clinical trial in newly diagnosed high‑grade gliomas represents a novel treatment approach that aims to advance the management of this devastating disease,” said Dr. Abla Creasey, Vice President of Therapeutics Development at CIRM.

CIRM’s investment underscores its commitment to advancing cutting‑edge therapies for brain cancer. The collaborative work at UCSF, supported by major CIRM funding, marks a promising step forward for patients and families facing high‑grade gliomas.