Alpheus opens butterfly glioblastoma trial combining 5-ALA and ultrasound
Published in Brain/Neurology, Drugs development & discovery, Noninvasive.
October 9, 2026 — Alpheus Medical announced enrollment on October 8 for a study of its investigational Porphyrin Metabolite Activation therapy in newly diagnosed butterfly glioblastoma. This form of brain cancer extends across the corpus callosum into both cerebral hemispheres.
The Butterfly trial, registered as NCT07862647, combines oral 5-aminolevulinic acid with bilateral low-intensity defocused ultrasound. The proposed mechanism relies on tumor accumulation of the porphyrin metabolite PpIX, followed by externally applied ultrasound activation. Alpheus describes an awake, outpatient treatment procedure.
The study will assess safety and clinical activity, with treatment administered alongside standard care. Its protocol requires enrollment before standard chemoradiation begins. Dent Neurologic Institute in Buffalo is currently enrolling, and additional U.S. centers are expected.
This announcement marks access to an investigational study, rather than evidence of survival benefit or an approved treatment. The dedicated Butterfly study should also be distinguished from Alpheus’ separate glioblastoma development program.