Quantum BioPharma (NASDAQ: QNTM) has entered a Study Start-Up Agreement with the clinical research business of Thermo Fisher Scientific to implement its Phase 2 clinical trial of Lucid-21-302, known as Lucid-MS, for multiple sclerosis. The agreement initiates formal study start-up activities following FDA clearance to proceed with the trial, according to a NEWMEDIAWIRE press release. 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, an enzyme implicated in myelin degradation.
This development matters because progressive forms of MS have few effective treatment options, and most existing therapies primarily address relapsing forms of the disease. By targeting PAD2, Lucid-MS aims to prevent and reverse myelin degradation, the underlying mechanism of MS. If successful, the approach could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for halting or reversing disability progression, a significant unmet need for patients. The involvement of Thermo Fisher's PPD clinical research business lends operational credibility to the trial and may help accelerate study start-up timelines.
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., Quantum is focused on the research and development of its lead compound, Lucid-MS. The compound is a patented new chemical entity shown to prevent and reverse myelin degradation in preclinical models.
Beyond its MS program, the company invented UNBUZZD and spun out its over-the-counter version to Unbuzzd Wellness Inc. Quantum retains ownership of 19.84% of Unbuzzd as of March 31, 2026. The agreement with Unbuzzd includes royalty payments of 7% of sales until payments to Quantum total $250 million, after which 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.
For investors, the Study Start-Up Agreement signals that Quantum BioPharma is moving from preclinical research into clinical execution for its lead asset. The Phase 2 trial will be a critical test of whether Lucid-MS's mechanism translates into clinical benefit. Success could position the company as a player in the MS treatment landscape, while failure would delay or derail its most advanced pipeline candidate. The latest news and updates relating to QNTM are available in the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QNTM. Full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorBrandNetwork website applicable to all content provided by IBN, wherever published or re-published, are available at https://IBN.ai/Disclaimer.
