The field of medicine is in constant evolution, with scientific advancements turning challenges into possibilities. In the realm of brain and central nervous system (CNS) diseases, overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) has been one of the most significant hurdles. Despite progress in pharmaceuticals, effectively delivering therapeutics to the brain remains a complex challenge. NeOnc Technologies Holdings is addressing this head-on, developing innovative approaches to CNS treatment that have a goal  to improve patient outcomes.

Founded in 2008, NeOnc Technologies Holdings was born from the vision to address the critical challenges of treating brain and CNS disorders, particularly brain cancers such as glioblastoma. The company has under development drug delivery technologies designed to navigate the BBB, potentially paving the way for more effective and targeted treatments.

At Business Fortune, we spoke with Amir F. Heshmatpour, Executive Chairman of NeOnc Technologies Holdings, to gain insights into the company’s journey, its unique approach to CNS treatment, and its aspirations for the future.

Interview Highlights

Q. Could you describe how NeOnc Technologies Holdings, Inc. was founded? What inspired you to establish it?

NeOnc Technologies was founded with a mission to tackle the challenges of treating brain cancer and CNS disorders, focusing on potential solutions for the treatment of brain cancers such as glioblastoma. Recognizing the limitations of existing therapies and the barriers posed by the BBB, the founding team seeks to develop delivery methods that have the potential to enhance drug efficacy and possibly minimize side effects. The vision was to improve survival rates and the quality of life for patients by leveraging advanced drug formulations and novel delivery mechanisms.

Q. For decades, CNS therapies have struggled to overcome the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). Could you share how this obstacle is addressed by NeOnc’s unique POH formulation?

Our proprietary POH (perillyl alcohol) formulation is designed to leverage intranasal and intra-arterial delivery methods to bypass the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). We believe this has the potential to  significantly enhance the bioavailability of drugs in the brain. Studies indicate that by utilizing POH's lipophilic properties, the formulation has the potential to   traverses cellular membranes to  target tumor sites.

Q. Your emphasis on intra-arterial and intranasal administration techniques is unique. Why did you choose these strategies over more traditional ones?

Traditional systemic drug administration often results in limited efficacy for CNS treatments due to poor BBB penetration. Intranasal delivery offers a non-invasive route that bypasses the BBB. These techniques have the potential to significantly improve therapeutic impact and minimize side effects, marking a significant improvement over conventional methods.

Q. How can glioblastoma and other CNS-based diseases potentially be treated using your conjugated delivery model with NEO100 and NEO212?

NEO100 (https://neonc.com/project/neo100-human-trial-in-adult-patients-with-recurrent-glioblastoma/) comprises a patented composition of a proprietary synthesis of Perillyl Alcohol (POH) that our research suggests has several beneficial actions for Central Nervous System (CNS)-based disease applications, including:

• Acting as a regulator for neurologic pathways associated with tumor cell growth.
• Bypassing the BBB when delivered intranasally due to its small molecular size.
• Creating a temporary opening in the BBB when delivered intra-arterially, allowing larger molecule therapeutics to pass through.
• Acting as a solvent for traditional large-molecule therapeutics in low concentrations, enabling them to bypass the BBB.

NEO212 (https://neonc.com/project/understanding-the-pharmacokinetic-properties-of-neo-212/), on the other hand, provides a conjugation of the DNA alkylating agent Temozolomide (TMZ) with a highly purified formulation of POH. TMZ remains the gold standard in treating anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme cancers. Studies indicate that the 1-year and 2-year survival rates with radiation plus temozolomide are 37.8% and 10.4%, compared to 22.2% and 2.8% with radiation therapy alone. NEO212 is being designed to potentially increase the efficacy of TMZ through intranasal delivery within the conjugated formulation, potentially overcoming resistance mechanisms often seen in glioblastoma.

Q. NeOnc has established crucial relationships with  pharmaceutical companies and clinical institutes. What is your strategy for collaborating with these firms , and how do these partnerships advance your innovative delivery technology?

Our partnerships are built on collaboration and shared expertise. By working with pharmaceutical companies, our goal is to potentially enhance existing drugs with our delivery methods. We believe that collaborations with clinical institutes ensure rigorous testing and provide potential validation of our formulations. Alliances such as these accelerate innovation and bring breakthrough therapies to patients faster.

Q. Looking ahead, where do you see NeOnc and what goals are you setting for the company?

NeOnc aims to expand its portfolio to address a broader range of CNS diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. We are developing second-generation delivery platforms for NEO100 and NEO212. we will continue exploring combination therapies and personalized treatments that have the potential for high impact. We aspire to set new standards in CNS care, improving outcomes for patients.

Meet the Visionaries Driving NeOnc Technologies Holdings' Innovations

Amir F. Heshmatpour serves as the Executive Chairman of NeOnc Technologies Holdings, bringing a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and global capital markets. As the Founder and Managing Director of AFH Holding & Advisory LLC, he has spearheaded high-profile transactions since 2003, bridging U.S. and international markets. His career trajectory includes a remarkable tenure as Chairman and CEO of Metrophone Telecommunications, where he transformed a $30,000 startup into a $100 million enterprise, completing 17 acquisitions and establishing a dominant presence in the telecommunications sector.

Amir’s achievements earned him the prestigious "Businessman of the Year" title from the National Republican Congressional Committee in 2003. Beyond business, he is a committed philanthropist, supporting initiatives such as Holding Hands Pediatric Therapy & Diagnostics and the California Council on Economic Education (CCEE). A Pennsylvania State University graduate, Amir further refined his leadership acumen by completing the UCLA Anderson Director Education & Certification Program in 2010.

Dr. Thomas Chen serves as the Founder, CEO, and CSO of NeOnc Technologies Holdings, bringing unparalleled expertise to the company. As a board-certified neurosurgeon and the Director of Surgical Neuro-Oncology at USC, Dr. Chen combines clinical excellence with groundbreaking research. His dual MD and PhD in Pathobiology from the University of California, San Francisco, reflect his focus on immunotherapy for malignant brain tumors. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he is a distinguished member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha.

Dr. Chen’s research lab is at the forefront of glioma biology, contributing extensively to the understanding of CNS cancers. His work is widely published in esteemed journals, and he serves on editorial boards including The Spine Journal. An active participant in national neurosurgery committees, Dr. Chen’s influence extends across both clinical and academic spheres, driving advancements in CNS treatment.

 “Our POH (perillyl alcohol) formulation is designed specifically to bypass the blood-brain barrier, which is notoriously difficult for most drugs to penetrate.”