ADEPT-STAR therapy for high risk neuroblastoma
Funded at Expression Therapeutics · NIH-11407954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new cell-based therapy approach aims to help children with high-risk neuroblastoma by using off-the-shelf, donor-derived treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Expression Therapeutics NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucker, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,131,730 |
| NIH project number | 2R44CA281633-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with high-risk neuroblastoma who may benefit from advanced cell-based gene therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not eligible for this specific approach or whose disease biology does not align with the therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant funds testing of an allogeneic cell-based gene therapy to treat high-risk neuroblastoma, with a focus on safe and effective tumor targeting and durable responses. Researchers will use mouse studies to guide dosing and safety monitoring, and will apply human-relevant assays to assess risks and potential benefits before advancing to clinical testing. The goal is to develop a therapy that could be readily available off-the-shelf, potentially simplifying treatment and reducing costs for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a new, readily accessible option for kids with high-risk neuroblastoma, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Early preclinical data show promise for similar allogeneic cell-based therapies, but human translation remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Expression Therapeutics
Tucker, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrich, Brian G — Expression Therapeutics
- Study coordinator: Petrich, Brian G
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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.