Advancing Pan-RAS Inhibitors to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
Official title: Advancing Pan-RAS Inhibitors for Colorectal Cancer Interception: A Dual Approach Integrating Natural Product Drug Discovery and Preclinical Development
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-11452734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a new pan-RAS drug candidate to prevent colorectal cancer development in preclinical models, with the goal of stopping tumor growth before it starts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 10, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $493,227 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA316420-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk of colorectal cancer who harbor KRAS or related RAS pathway mutations, or premalignant adenomas, suitable for preventive intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without RAS-driven risk or premalignant lesions may not benefit from this preventive strategy.
What this research studies
This project aims to block the early steps of colorectal cancer by using a novel pan-RAS inhibitor, ADT-1004, to target mutant or activated KRAS and related RAS proteins in premalignant cells. The work includes testing efficacy and safety in a mouse model of colon tumorigenesis and comparing performance with another pan-RAS compound. By focusing on prevention, the study seeks to identify a therapy that could stop progression from adenoma to colorectal cancer. The research team will combine drug discovery with preclinical development to move promising candidates toward clinical testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a preventive option to stop colorectal cancer from developing in high-risk individuals with RAS mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pan-RAS approaches have shown tumor control in preclinical models and early trials, but a safe, preventive option remains a key unmet need.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piazza, Gary a — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Piazza, Gary a
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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.