Quantum BioPharma Announces First Person with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Scanned in Joint Study with Massachusetts General Hospital

Rhea-AI Summary

Quantum BioPharma (NASDAQ: QNTM) has announced the first successful scan of a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient in a joint study with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The study utilizes a novel PET tracer [18F]3F4AP to monitor myelin integrity and demyelination in MS patients. The scanning was performed using a new GE Signa PET-MR scanner, which allows simultaneous PET and MRI imaging, improving spatial and temporal coregistration while reducing patient scan time. This imaging technique could potentially serve as a biomarker to measure the effectiveness of drugs like Quantum's investigational MS drug Lucid-21-302. The PET tracer, developed by Dr. Pedro Brugarolas at MGH, has shown promising results in previous animal and human studies, demonstrating high sensitivity to demyelinated lesions and favorable pharmacokinetics.

Positive

• Novel PET imaging technique shows promise in monitoring MS treatment effectiveness
• Partnership with prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital strengthens research credibility
• Technology could potentially accelerate development and validation of company's MS drug Lucid-21-302
• Previous studies of [18F]3F4AP showed favorable results in both animals and humans

Negative

• Study is still in early stages with only first patient scanned
• No direct evidence yet of technology's effectiveness in measuring drug responses
• Uncertain timeline for validation and implementation of the imaging technique

News Market Reaction – QNTM

+19.95%

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+19.95% News Effect

On the day this news was published, QNTM gained 19.95%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Joint Clinical Study with Massachusetts General Hospital Could Pave the Way for Testing Efficacy of Quantum’s Investigational MS drug, Lucid-21-302

TORONTO, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quantum BioPharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNTM) (CSE: QNTM) (FRA: 0K91) (“Quantum BioPharma” or the “Company”), a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to building a portfolio of innovative assets and biotech solutions, announces that the first person with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been scanned in a joint study with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) scientists to validate a novel positron emission tomography (PET) imaging technique to monitor myelin integrity and demyelination in MS. The study is evaluating the PET tracer [¹⁸F]3F4AP, which was developed by Dr. Pedro Brugarolas, an investigator in the department of Radiology at MGH and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. In previous studies in animals and humans, [¹⁸F]3F4AP was found to be highly sensitive to demyelinated lesions and have favourable pharmacokinetics, suggesting that it holds promise as a biomarker to monitor changes in demyelination in response to remyelinating or neuroprotective drugs in MS.

The PET scan in the person with MS was performed on a newly installed combined GE Signa PET-MR scanner at MGH. This scanner allows for the PET [¹⁸F]3F4AP imaging signal to be acquired simultaneously with the MRI improving the spatial and temporal coregistration of the PET. In the future, this technique may be highly useful for monitoring, over time, demyelination in central nervous system lesions. This novel biomarker and technique may lead to a more accurate measurement of responses to drugs that prevent demyelination and/or promote remyelination. The new combined PET-MR scanner at MGH also improves the patient experience by reducing the time needed to complete both scans.

“We are excited that the study has started and that we are learning more about the potential of this novel PET biomarker to directly visualize and measure demyelinated axons in the central nervous system,” said Dr. Andrzej Chruscinski, Vice-President, Scientific and Clinical Affairs at Quantum Biopharma. “PET imaging with [¹⁸F]3F4AP holds promise as a biomarker to measure the efficacy of drugs that can protect the myelin sheath in MS such as Lucid-21-302 (Lucid-MS).”

Dr. Brugarolas, principal investigator of the study at MGH added, “PET/MR studies are complex and the team at the MGH PET Core has been phenomenal. By employing the latest technologies, we hope to learn more about how [¹⁸F]3F4AP PET can enhance MRI for monitoring demyelination and, by doing so, facilitate the development of novel treatments for people with MS.”

About Quantum BioPharma Ltd.

Quantum BioPharma (NASDAQ: QNTM) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to building a portfolio of innovative assets and biotech solutions for the treatment of challenging neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders and alcohol misuse disorders with drug candidates in different stages of development. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Lucid Psycheceuticals Inc. (“Lucid”), Quantum BioPharma is focused on the research and development of its lead compound, Lucid-MS. Lucid-MS is a patented new chemical entity shown to prevent and reverse myelin degradation, the underlying mechanism of multiple sclerosis, in preclinical models. Quantum BioPharma invented unbuzzd™ and spun out its OTC version to a company, Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. (formerly Celly Nutrition Corp.), led by industry veterans. Quantum BioPharma retains ownership of 20.11% (as of March 31, 2025) of Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. The agreement with Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. also includes royalty payments of 7% of sales from unbuzzd™ until payments to Quantum BioPharma total $250 million. Once $250 million is reached, the royalty drops to 3% in perpetuity. Quantum BioPharma retains 100% of the rights to develop similar products or alternative formulations specifically for pharmaceutical and medical uses. Quantum BioPharma maintains a portfolio of strategic investments through its wholly owned subsidiary, FSD Strategic Investments Inc., which represents loans secured by residential or commercial property.

For more information on Quantum BioPharma, please visit www.quantumbiopharma.com.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “potential”, “believe”, “intend” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements related to such.

Forward-looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to additional information relating to Quantum BioPharma, including its annual information form, can be located on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and on the EDGAR section of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward- looking information, except as required by applicable law.

Contacts:

Quantum BioPharma Ltd.
Zeeshan Saeed, Founder, CEO and Executive Co-Chairman of the Board
Email: Zsaeed@quantumbiopharma.com
Telephone: (833) 571-1811

Investor Relations
Investor Relations: IR@QuantumBioPharma.com
General Inquiries: info@QuantumBioPharma.com

FAQ

What is the purpose of Quantum BioPharma's (QNTM) joint study with Massachusetts General Hospital?

The study aims to validate a novel PET imaging technique using [18F]3F4AP tracer to monitor myelin integrity and demyelination in multiple sclerosis patients, potentially helping measure the effectiveness of MS treatments.

How does the new GE Signa PET-MR scanner benefit MS patients in the QNTM study?

The scanner allows simultaneous PET and MRI imaging, improving spatial and temporal coregistration while reducing the total time patients need to complete both scans.

What are the previous research findings for Quantum BioPharma's PET tracer [18F]3F4AP?

In previous animal and human studies, the tracer demonstrated high sensitivity to demyelinated lesions and favorable pharmacokinetics, suggesting potential as a biomarker for monitoring MS treatment responses.

How could this imaging technology impact Quantum BioPharma's (QNTM) MS drug development?

The technology could serve as a biomarker to measure the efficacy of drugs like Quantum's investigational MS drug Lucid-21-302, potentially improving the development and validation process.

Who is leading the QNTM-MGH joint study on MS imaging?

The study's principal investigator is Dr. Pedro Brugarolas, an investigator in MGH's Radiology department and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School.