Shares of BioLineRx (BLRX) dipped on Tuesday after the company released new preclinical data on its experimental brain cancer drug, GLIX1. The stock was down nearly 6% during regular trading and slipped further after hours, but the news itself was actually pretty encouraging.
BioLineRx, a commercial-stage biopharma focused on oncology, partnered with Hemispherian to unveil data showing that GLIX1 packs a punch against glioblastoma, an aggressive and notoriously hard-to-treat brain cancer. The drug showed strong anti-tumor activity in several animal models, including one that mimics resistance to temozolomide (TMZ), the standard chemotherapy for this disease.
In three separate orthotopic cell-derived xenograft (CDX) studies — fancy speak for implanting human tumor cells into mouse brains — GLIX1 significantly slowed tumor growth and extended survival. The effect was dose-dependent: higher doses led to better outcomes. In one subcutaneous PDX model (where patient-derived tumor tissue is used), GLIX1 shrank tumors while TMZ did nothing at all.
That last point is the real headline. TMZ is the backbone of glioblastoma treatment, but many patients eventually develop resistance. GLIX1's ability to work where TMZ fails suggests it could fill a major gap for patients who have run out of options.
BioLineRx already has a Phase 1/2a study underway for recurrent glioblastoma and other high-grade gliomas, which it kicked off in April. The trial is testing GLIX1 in humans for the first time. "GLIX1 has a very compelling profile supporting this Phase 1/2a study and, to that end, we look forward to initial data in the first half of 2027," said Philip Serlin, CEO of BioLineRx.
Despite Tuesday's dip, BioLineRx shares have gained about 13.7% over the past month, outpacing the S&P 500's 3.5% rise. Year-to-date, the stock is down roughly 1%, compared to the index's 7% gain. The stock last traded at $2.57.
