A new medicine for prostate cancer

Phase 1 First in Human Trial to Assess Safety and Tolerability of the Novel ACK1 Inhibitor (R)-9b in Patients with Prostate Cancer

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11166482

This research is testing a new medicine called (R)-9b in people with prostate cancer to see if it is safe and how well their bodies tolerate it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11166482 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many men with advanced prostate cancer eventually find that their treatments stop working, leading to a condition called Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC). Current medicines often become ineffective over time. Our team found a new target in prostate tumors called ACK1, which helps the cancer grow. We developed a new medicine, (R)-9b, designed to block ACK1. This medicine has shown promise in laboratory and animal models by shrinking tumors and boosting the body's immune response against cancer cells. We are now ready to see if this new approach is safe for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with prostate cancer, particularly those with advanced disease that has become resistant to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients whose prostate cancer is still responding well to existing therapies or those without advanced, resistant disease may not be the primary focus for this initial medicine testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new medicine could offer a new treatment option for patients with advanced prostate cancer, especially those whose cancer has become resistant to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: This approach involves a novel inhibitor, (R)-9b, targeting ACK1, which has shown promising results in preclinical models, but this is its first test in humans.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.