NIH-funded research Sbir 1 grant

A new treatment for pancreatic cancer using targeted drug delivery

Official title: An Aptamer-directed IgG1-Fc Drug Conjugate (AFDC) for Treating Pancreatic Cancer

Funded at Oncotrap, INC. · NIH-10761053 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new treatment designed to target pancreatic cancer cells more effectively while sparing healthy cells, aiming to improve outcomes for patients battling this tough disease.

More Pancreatic Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOncotrap, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project startSeptember 22, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$400,000
NIH project number1R43CA281460-01A1
Project IDNIH-10761053 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have limited treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of cancer known for its poor prognosis. The approach involves creating an Aptamer-directed IgG1-Fc Drug Conjugate (AFDC) that specifically targets PDAC cells while minimizing effects on normal cells. By combining a unique aptamer that binds to cancer cells with a drug delivery system, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and improve patient outcomes. The project will validate the ability of this new treatment to kill PDAC cells and optimize its formulation for clinical use.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective treatment option for patients with pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have gone: While antibody-drug conjugates have shown success in treating other cancers, this specific approach for pancreatic cancer is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • Oncotrap, INC.
    Chapel Hill, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gao, Xiang — Oncotrap, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Gao, Xiang

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.