Alphavirus-delivered peptide therapy for glioblastoma (GSC-targeted)
Official title: Alphavirus vector-mediated expression of a connexin43 mimetic peptide in glioblastoma therapy
Funded at Acomhal Research, INC. · NIH-11409740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach uses a virus-based system to deliver a small protein fragment that specifically kills glioblastoma stem cells, potentially slowing tumor growth and improving survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Acomhal Research, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Roanoke, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R41CA306619-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with glioblastoma or those with recurrent disease may be eligible in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
If the therapy does not reach or effectively target tumor cells, patients may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to safely deliver a Cx43 mimetic peptide to glioblastoma cells using a brain-tropic alphavirus vector. The goal is to target glioblastoma stem cells that drive recurrence while sparing normal brain tissue. Researchers will test the delivery system and the JM2 peptide in preclinical models to see if it reduces tumor burden and extends survival, especially when combined with standard chemotherapy. The work builds on prior findings that JM2 disrupts a cell-structure interaction in cancer cells and shows promise in patient-derived GBM models. If successful, this approach could lay the groundwork for a future clinical translation in GBM patients who need new therapeutic options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this strategy could provide a new way to target glioblastoma stem cells and improve outcomes for patients with GBM.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical results in GBM models show tumor reduction and longer survival with JM2 delivery in combination with existing chemotherapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Acomhal Research, INC.
Roanoke, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamouille, Samy — Acomhal Research, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lamouille, Samy
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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.