Quantum BioPharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNTM) has entered into a Study Start-Up Agreement (SUA) with the clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific to implement its Phase 2 clinical trial of Lucid-21-302 (Lucid-MS) for multiple sclerosis (MS). The agreement initiates formal study start-up activities following FDA clearance to proceed with the trial. Thermo Fisher will support study start-up and related clinical research services through its PPD Clinical Research Business.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial will evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Lucid-MS in people with progressive forms of MS using clinical and radiological endpoints. Lucid-MS is an investigational, first-in-class New Chemical Entity designed to provide neuroprotection by inhibiting demyelination through targeting protein arginine deiminase 2 (PAD2), an enzyme implicated in myelin degradation. This mechanism distinguishes Lucid-MS from existing MS therapies, which primarily modulate the immune system rather than directly protect myelin.
For the roughly 2.8 million people worldwide living with MS, progressive forms of the disease remain particularly challenging because available treatments have limited effect on slowing disability accumulation. A therapy that prevents or reverses myelin degradation could represent a significant advance, potentially altering the disease course and improving quality of life. The trial's start-up marks a critical step toward determining whether Lucid-MS can deliver on that promise in humans.
Quantum BioPharma 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 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 invented UNBUZZD and spun out its OTC version to a company, Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. (formerly Celly Nutrition Corp.), led by industry veterans. Quantum retains ownership of 19.84% (as of March 31, 2026) of Unbuzzd. The agreement with Unbuzzd also includes royalty payments of 7% of sales from unbuzzd until payments to Quantum total $250 million. Once $250 million is reached, the royalty drops to 3% in perpetuity. Quantum retains 100% of the rights to develop similar products or alternative formulations specifically for pharmaceutical and medical uses.
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