AI-designed drugs targeting a common lymphoma mutation (MYD88 L265P)
Official title: Therapeutic Targeting a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Driver Using AI
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11235842 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using artificial intelligence to create and test new drugs that block a common MYD88 mutation found in many B‑cell non‑Hodgkin lymphomas to help people with these cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $656,085 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271546-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235842 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with B‑cell non‑Hodgkin lymphomas who test positive for the MYD88 L265P mutation (for example, many cases of Waldenström macroglobulinemia and some extranodal B‑cell lymphomas) would be the likely candidates for therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People whose cancers do not carry MYD88 mutations or who have unrelated cancer types are unlikely to benefit from treatments that specifically target MYD88 L265P.
What this research studies
If you have a B‑cell non‑Hodgkin lymphoma driven by an MYD88 mutation, this project uses AI to find small molecules that can block that mutant protein. Baylor College of Medicine and Atomwise apply machine‑learning models to design and optimize candidate inhibitors, then test the best compounds in lab-grown lymphoma cells and animal models. Promising compounds will be refined for potency and safety as a step toward possible future testing in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce targeted medicines for patients whose lymphomas are driven by the MYD88 L265P mutation, potentially improving outcomes and reducing side effects compared with non‑specific chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Directly targeting MYD88 has been difficult and is relatively novel, while AI‑driven small‑molecule discovery has shown promising preclinical results but limited clinical proof for this exact target.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yong — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Li, Yong
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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.