Brain Tumor Science Animation: How Dordaviprone Targets Glioma Cells
A New Hope for Brain Tumor Patients
Brain tumors with the H3 K27M mutation are among the deadliest cancers, often affecting children and young adults. Until now, treatment options were limited to palliative care.
Chimerix, now part of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, is changing that. They developed dordaviprone (ONC201), a small molecule therapy with a powerful, targeted approach. In 2025, the U.S. FDA accepted their New Drug Application for dordaviprone, granting it Priority Review — a major milestone for patients facing this devastating disease.
How Dordaviprone Works: Science Behind the Brain Tumor Science Animation
Dordaviprone attacks brain tumors in two critical ways:
- Targeting the DRD2 receptor: This receptor controls pathways that drive tumor growth. Dordaviprone blocks it, slowing down cancer cell proliferation.
- Activating ClpP in mitochondria: By increasing ClpP activity, dordaviprone disrupts energy production in cancer cells, leading to selective tumor cell death.
These dual actions not only starve tumors of energy but also heighten their stress responses, pushing cancer cells beyond survival limits. Because of its specificity, dordaviprone tends to spare healthy brain cells — a crucial advantage in brain cancer treatment.
This scientific breakthrough was the foundation for creating an accurate, engaging brain tumor science animation that clearly explains the mechanism of action to investors, doctors, and patients.
Learn more about Chimerix’s mission.
Brain Tumor Science Animation: Behind the Scenes of the 3D Project
Capturing Complex Biology in 3D
When Chimerix partnered with us, the goal was clear:
Bring the complex story of dordaviprone’s dual mechanism to life with a 3D brain tumor science animation that feels accessible yet precise.
Creating 3D visuals for a topic as sensitive and intricate as brain tumors required a careful balance. We had to show:
- The cell surface, where dordaviprone binds to DRD2 receptors.
- The mitochondria inside the tumor cells, where ClpP activation triggers destruction.
- The overall stress and collapse of the tumor cells over time.
Every frame had to be scientifically accurate, visually engaging, and easy for non-expert audiences to understand — without oversimplifying the biology.
Real-World Challenges We Overcame
Several unique hurdles shaped the production process:
- Translating dynamic processes into clear visuals: Showing DRD2 inhibition and mitochondrial breakdown required developing custom animations for molecular interactions.
- Adapting complex science for storytelling: We structured the 3D scenes to guide viewers step-by-step, making it easier to follow the therapy’s impact.
- Technical and regulatory precision: Because the visuals would be used publicly, we reviewed all materials closely for scientific and legal accuracy.
Additionally, Chimerix requested website assets derived from the animation, which needed to match the 3D style while fitting strict size and format specifications for desktop and mobile.
Through flexibility, clear communication, and deep scientific understanding, we successfully delivered a brain tumor science animation that captured the innovation behind dordaviprone.
Why 3D Brain Tumor Science Animation Matters for Biotech Storytelling
Effective communication can make the difference between confusion and confidence. In biotech, especially with cutting-edge therapies like dordaviprone, visuals must simplify the complex — without losing scientific truth.
If you’re developing novel treatments, see how we help biotech companies tell their stories through science animation for startups.
