TAE Life Sciences and Stella Pharma Partner to Develop and Commercialize BPA for BNCT Cancer Therapy in US and Europe

TAE Life Sciences (TLS) and Stella Pharma have announced a strategic collaboration to further develop and commercialize boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in the United States and Europe. This partnership aims to expand the use of Stella Pharma’s boronophenylalanine (BPA) drug, also known as Steboronine®, the world's first and only clinically approved boron drug for BNCT.

BNCT represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, particularly effective in treating head and neck cancers. Japan was the first country to approve this innovative treatment, leveraging Stella Pharma’s BPA drug. This collaboration marks a substantial effort to broaden the accessibility of BNCT beyond Asia, with clinical trials in the USA and Europe anticipated to start in 2026.

As part of the agreement, TAE Life Sciences will be the exclusive commercial partner for Stella Pharma’s BPA in these regions. This partnership signifies a major step toward making BNCT a more accessible cancer treatment option in Western healthcare systems.

Rob Hill, CEO of TAE Life Sciences, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing BNCT as a viable treatment for cancer patients worldwide. He emphasized the potential benefits of BPA for healthcare institutions in the U.S. and Europe and noted their goal to support the global adoption of BNCT with this powerful therapeutic solution.

The collaboration is not just limited to the joint development and commercialization of BNCT and BPA. Both companies are also dedicated to supporting BNCT equipment vendors in all markets to implement BPA-based BNCT treatments. By fostering partnerships within the BNCT ecosystem, they aim to significantly enhance the clinical reach of BNCT, particularly for recurrent head and neck cancers. Additionally, they plan to advance clinical studies for other types of cancers, including those affecting the brain, skin, breast, esophagus, and lungs.

Koki Uehara, President and Chief Operating Officer of Stella Pharma, emphasized the importance of this alliance in extending the reach of BPA-based BNCT treatments beyond Asia. He expressed eagerness to work collaboratively on an international scale to develop and commercialize BNCT, with the ultimate goal of delivering advanced cancer treatments to patients and their families worldwide.

Looking ahead, both companies envision exploring additional collaborative opportunities to further the development of BNCT for difficult-to-treat cancers. Their shared mission is to accelerate innovation in cancer treatment, expand the range of available therapies, and improve outcomes for cancer patients globally. This partnership underscores a significant commitment to advancing cancer treatment and making cutting-edge therapies more widely accessible.

In conclusion, the collaboration between TAE Life Sciences and Stella Pharma is set to propel the development and commercialization of BNCT in the United States and Europe, potentially transforming cancer treatment and offering renewed hope to patients with hard-to-treat cancers.