A New Nanoparticle Treatment for Lung Cancer
Official title: PLK1 and EGFR targeted nanoconstruct as a monotherapy and a radiation sensitizer for lung cancer
Funded at Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11179339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project develops a tiny particle that targets lung cancer cells to deliver a special medicine, aiming to improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,288,251 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA285233-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11179339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is currently in the development and preclinical stages, so it is not yet recruiting patients, but it is ultimately intended for patients with EGFR-positive lung cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose lung cancer does not overexpress the EGFR protein may not benefit from this specific targeted approach.
What this research studies
Lung cancer is a very serious disease, and current treatments often face challenges like resistance. This work focuses on creating a new type of nanoparticle, called PETTRA, designed to find and attach specifically to lung cancer cells that have a protein called EGFR. Once attached, PETTRA delivers a medicine that stops cancer cells from dividing and helps them respond better to radiation therapy. The goal is to make treatment more effective and safer for patients with lung cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new nanotherapeutic could offer a more targeted and effective treatment option for lung cancer, potentially improving outcomes as a standalone therapy or when combined with radiation.
How similar studies have gone: While lipid-based particles have shown success in delivering medicines to the liver, this approach aims to overcome challenges in delivering similar therapies effectively to solid tumors, which has been less successful to date.
Where this research is happening
-
Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ngamcherdtrakul, Worapol — Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ngamcherdtrakul, Worapol
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.