Exclusive: Thermo Fisher To Support Quantum Biopharma in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Drug Trial

Quantum BioPharma Ltd. (NASDAQ:QNTM) on Tuesday said it is partnering with the clinical research division of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) to launch a Phase 2 clinical trial for its multiple sclerosis treatment, Lucid-MS. The companies signed a Study Start-Up Agreement, marking a major developmental milestone following the therapy’s recent FDA clearance. Thermo Fisher’s PPD clinical research business will handle the formal study initiation and provide related research services. Read Also: EXCLUSIVE: Quantum BioPharma Achieves Major Milestone With FDA Clearance for Multiple Sclerosis Trial Targeting Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Under the terms of the contract, Thermo Fisher will support Quantum BioPharma in implementing the Phase 2 trial, including study start-up activities and related clinical research services. The upcoming randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will assess how well patients with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis tolerate Lucid-MS. Researchers will evaluate both the safety and effectiveness of the drug using clinical and radiological markers tied directly to disease biology and progression. Halting Myelin Degradation Lucid-MS operates as a novel, first-in-class chemical entity that aims to protect the nervous system by stopping myelin breakdown. By targeting the PAD2 enzyme, which drives myelin damage, the investigational therapy seeks to halt neurodegenerative processes. Earlier preclinical studies showed the drug could successfully prevent and reverse measures of myelin degradation. In May, Quantum BioPharma announced that patient enrollment in the collaborative study has reached roughly 50%, alongside preliminary results from its novel PET imaging approach designed to measure demyelination in the brain directly. Researchers using the [¹⁸F]3F4AP PET tracer reported strong imaging results in active MS lesions, suggesting potential for improved tracking of disease progression. QNTM Price Action: Quantum BioPharma shares were up 1.15% at $3.30 during premarket trading on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data. Read Also: Trump Says Becton Dickinson to Invest $3 Billion in US Manufacturing as 'Strong' Medical Device Tariffs Loom by Year-End Image Via Shutterstock