Nigerian Scientist Ayomide Akomolafe Discovers Potential Remedy for Deadliest Brain Cancer

A Nigerian scientist, Ayomide Akomolafe, has made a groundbreaking discovery that could redefine treatment for glioblastoma, the most aggressive and deadliest form of brain cancer.

Akomolafe, a PhD student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), United States, revealed that Dexbrompheniramine (Dexbrom)—a common antihistamine drug already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for allergies—was able to significantly suppress glioblastoma cell growth.

He presented his findings at the 110th Annual Symposium of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UNMC, where his research drew widespread attention from global medical experts.

His poster, titled “Role of Histamine 1 Receptor Signaling in Glioblastoma Progression”, highlighted how Dexbrom proved effective against both Temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant and TMZ-sensitive glioblastoma cells. TMZ is currently the standard chemotherapy drug for brain cancer, but resistance to it has been a major challenge in treatment.

According to Akomolafe, combining Dexbrom with Temozolomide triggered three distinct cancer-killing mechanisms—apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy—while sparing normal human brain cells.

“Our results showed that Dexbrom selectively targeted glioblastoma cells while sparing normal human astrocytes. This makes the drug particularly promising for translation into clinical care,” Akomolafe explained.

Experts at the symposium described the findings as a major breakthrough because Dexbrom is not an experimental compound but an existing, safe medication. This, they noted, could accelerate clinical trials and potentially shorten the timeline for bringing the treatment to patients.

The discovery also fits into the growing field of drug repurposing—finding new uses for already-approved medicines—seen as a faster and cost-effective approach to developing cancer therapies.

Akomolafe, who hails from Ikere-Ekiti, first gained national recognition in 2024 when Nigerian media profiled his pioneering research into glioblastoma. His latest work, however, marks a significant leap forward, both in scope and potential impact.

Expressing gratitude to his mentors, laboratory colleagues, and family, the young scientist said:

“I am motivated to keep pushing forward, not just as a scientific pursuit, but as a mission to bring hope to patients battling one of the deadliest cancers.”