A new oral drug that enhances cancer treatment by using gut bacteria.

A Novel Microbiome-Based Immune-Modulator that Potentiates Cancer Checkpoint Therapy

NIH-funded research Rise Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-10854788

This study is testing a new oral drug called R-5780 to see if it can help boost the effectiveness of cancer treatments for patients with metastatic melanoma, lung, and kidney cancers by using helpful bacteria from the gut to improve their immune response.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRise Therapeutics, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rockville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10854788 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing an oral drug called R-5780, which utilizes microbiome-associated Pattern Recognition Receptors to improve the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy. The drug is derived from a unique enzyme found in a specific strain of bacteria, Enterococcus faecium, which has shown potential in enhancing immune responses against tumors. By engaging the gut microbiome, the research aims to uncover how certain beneficial bacteria can improve patient responses to existing cancer treatments, particularly for those with metastatic melanoma, lung, and kidney cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly those with metastatic melanoma, lung, or kidney cancers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy or those with cancers not targeted by this approach may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy, leading to better treatment outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that specific strains of Enterococci can improve responses to cancer immunotherapy, suggesting a promising avenue for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Rockville, 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 2026-06-14 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.