BioLineRx and Hemispherian form joint venture to develop brain cancer drug

Published 29/09/2025, 12:06
BioLineRx and Hemispherian form joint venture to develop brain cancer drug

TEL AVIV/OSLO - BioLineRx Ltd. (NASDAQ:BLRX), currently valued at $16.17 million and trading below its InvestingPro Fair Value, and Norwegian biotech Hemispherian AS announced Monday the formation of a joint venture to develop GLIX1, a first-in-class oral small molecule targeting glioblastoma and other cancers.

The drug candidate works by restoring TET2 enzyme activity in cancer cells, causing double-stranded DNA breaks specifically in tumor cells. The FDA cleared an Investigational New Drug application for GLIX1 in August, with a Phase 1/2a clinical trial expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

Under the agreement, Hemispherian will contribute global rights to GLIX1 while BioLineRx will manage and fund development activities. Hemispherian will initially hold 60% of the joint venture, with BioLineRx holding 40%. BioLineRx’s stake could increase to a maximum of 70% based on continued investment. According to InvestingPro data, BioLineRx maintains a healthy current ratio of 2.06 and holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, though the company is quickly burning through its cash reserves.

"This joint venture combines our expertise in DNA damage response research with BioLineRx’s proven track record of clinical and regulatory success," said Zeno Albisser, CEO of Hemispherian, in the press release.

The Phase 1 portion of the upcoming trial will enroll up to 30 patients with recurrent glioblastoma, with data expected in the first half of 2027. The Phase 2a expansion will include three cohorts: GLIX1 as monotherapy in recurrent glioblastoma, GLIX1 with standard care in newly diagnosed patients, and GLIX1 combined with PARP inhibitors in other solid tumors.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer, with most patients surviving less than 18 months after diagnosis. The companies estimate the addressable market for glioblastoma treatments will reach approximately $3.8 billion annually across the U.S. and five European countries by 2030.

BioLineRx confirmed its cash runway extends into the first half of 2027. For deeper insights into BioLineRx’s financial health and detailed analysis of biotech companies, including comprehensive Fair Value models and expert research reports, visit InvestingPro, where you’ll find exclusive financial metrics and investment tools designed for biotechnology investors.

In other recent news, BioLineRx Ltd. reported its second-quarter 2025 earnings, revealing a net loss of $3.9 million. The company emphasized significant restructuring efforts and promising clinical developments as part of its strategic shift towards oncology and rare diseases. BioLineRx also noted a 70% reduction in operating cash burn, which may interest investors focused on financial efficiency. These developments suggest a renewed focus on specific medical areas, although the financial results indicate ongoing challenges. The company’s recent earnings call did not mention any mergers or acquisitions. Analyst feedback on BioLineRx’s performance and future expectations was not provided in the recent updates. Investors may want to watch for further developments in BioLineRx’s strategic initiatives and financial performance.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.