Quantum reports early results from MS PET study

Quantum BioPharma has reported preliminary imaging results from its collaborative multiple sclerosis study with Massachusetts General Hospital. Patient enrollment has reached the halfway mark, according to the company.

MGH investigators are evaluating [18F]3F4AP, a PET tracer developed by Pedro Brugarolas in the hospital’s Department of Radiology. Quantum said the tracer is being studied for direct assessment of demyelinated neurons with intact axons.

Initial participants have been imaged with advanced PET/MR and total-body PET platforms. Preliminary analyses showed signal in acute MS lesions and potential sensitivity to gray matter lesions, the company said.

Prior preclinical and clinical studies found [18F]3F4AP showed sensitivity for demyelinated lesions and favorable pharmacokinetics, according to Quantum.

If validated, the imaging approach could help measure how MS therapies affect myelin preservation and regeneration, the company said. Quantum is developing Lucid-MS, also known as Lucid-21-302, as an investigational treatment designed to inhibit demyelination.

Lucid-MS targets protein arginine deiminase 2, an enzyme implicated in myelin degradation. Quantum said the drug candidate has shown the ability to prevent and reverse myelin breakdown in preclinical models.

A phase 2 investigational new drug submission for Lucid-MS was filed with the U.S. FDA in March 2026, according to the company.