Advanced multi-payload HER2-targeted therapies to help people with breast and stomach cancers
Official title: Advancing Site-Selective Multi-Payload HER2-Targeted Conjugates to Overcome Resistance and Boost Survival in Breast and Gastric Cancers
Funded at Catena Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11408201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses a HER2-targeting antibody carrying multiple drug payloads to overcome resistance and improve survival in breast and gastric cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Catena Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Cerrito, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,072,102 |
| NIH project number | 1R44CA314761-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HER2-overexpressing breast or gastric cancer who may benefit from advanced, multi-payload HER2-targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HER2 overexpression or those who cannot tolerate antibody-drug conjugates may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create multi-payload antibody-drug conjugates that home in on HER2-overexpressing tumors, potentially delivering combinations of drugs more effectively than current therapies. By using a site-selective conjugation method, the therapy is designed to be stable and precise, reducing off-target effects. The research will involve manufacturing these conjugates and testing their performance in models that mimic human cancers, with a focus on overcoming resistance seen with first-line HER2 therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to more effective and longer-lasting treatment options for patients with HER2-positive breast and gastric cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other ADCs have shown benefit but resistance and toxicity remain challenges; this multi-payload approach is an evolution building on known successes.
Where this research is happening
-
Catena Biosciences, INC.
El Cerrito, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lobba, Marco Jackson — Catena Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lobba, Marco Jackson
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gastric Cancer Clinicobiological Cohort Study
This study tests the tumor microenvironment in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers from patients who had surgery after standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy at a single center.
-
GEH300079 (68Ga) PET/CT scan to detect peritoneal carcinomatosis in colorectal, gastric, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers (PERISCOPE)
This will test whether a GEH300079 (68Ga) PET/CT scan can detect peritoneal carcinomatosis in adults with colorectal, gastric, ovarian, or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have known or suspected peritoneal disease.
-
Link between psychological distress and immune therapy response in gastric cancer
We will see if psychological distress influences how well immune checkpoint inhibitors work in adults with gastric adenocarcinoma receiving preoperative immunotherapy before surgery.
-
Robotic removal of stomach tumors after pre-surgery chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer
This trial tests whether robotic stomach cancer surgery after 3–4 cycles of preoperative therapy is safe and helps people with stage III resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
-
Using deep learning and Raman spectroscopy for early cancer diagnosis
This study is trying to see if a new deep learning tool using blood samples can help spot early signs of different types of cancer, like colorectal and gastric cancers, in both healthy people and those already diagnosed.
-
QL1706 combined with SOX for treating advanced gastric cancers
This study is testing if a new treatment combining QL1706 and SOX can help people with advanced stomach cancer before surgery and improve their chances of recovery.
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.