Broad CDK2/4/6 inhibitors to overcome resistance in cancer
Official title: Mechanism-Driven Development of CDK2/4/6 Inhibitors to Combat Resistance and Broaden the Clinical Reach of CDK Inhibitors
Funded at Idaho State University · NIH-11425005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new set of selective CDK2/4/6 inhibitors will be explored to help patients whose cancers stop responding to current CDK4/6 therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Idaho State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pocatello, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $169,352 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM165743-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cancers that may be driven by CDK2/4/6 pathways and who have or are at risk of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers do not rely on CDK2/4/6 pathways or who cannot tolerate the investigational drugs.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a novel class of thiazolyl-pyrimidine compounds that selectively block CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6 to prevent cancer cells from continuing to divide. By targeting the cooperative functions of these kinases, the approach aims to overcome resistance that develops with existing CDK4/6 inhibitors. Early lab results show reduced cancer cell growth and potentially lower toxicity compared to older agents. The study will translate these findings toward broader cancer types where CDK resistance limits treatment benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience longer cancer control and more options when current CDK inhibitors stop working.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary lab studies show proof-of-concept activity with selective CDK2/4/6 inhibition and suggest potential for better tolerability.
Where this research is happening
-
Idaho State University
Pocatello, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeleke, Solomon Tadesse — Idaho State University
- Study coordinator: Zeleke, Solomon Tadesse
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.