Broadly targeted peptide-drug conjugate to treat solid tumors
Official title: Developing a broadly applicable targeted peptide-drug conjugate for the treatment of solid tumors
Funded at Twostep Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11390848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new therapy using a peptide that homes in on tumor markers to deliver a potent cancer drug directly to solid tumors in order to reduce harm to healthy tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Twostep Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Carlos, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,303,289 |
| NIH project number | 1R44CA306597-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11390848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with solid tumors expressing integrin receptors targeted by PIP who could receive future treatments based on PIP-MMAE
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors not expressing the targeted integrins or those who cannot receive cytotoxic payloads may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a tumor-targeting Peptide-Drug Conjugate (PIP-MMAE) that binds multiple tumor-associated integrin receptors and delivers a cytotoxic payload to solid tumors. Researchers will optimize the PIP delivery system, evaluate targeting accuracy, and assess safety and tumor-killing effectiveness in relevant models. The work includes studies in animal models to compare tumor specificity and systemic exposure against existing approaches, with a focus on improving safety and efficacy. The overarching goal is to enable broader applicability across different solid tumor types while minimizing adverse effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve precision delivery of cancer drugs to tumors, potentially reducing side effects and expanding treatment options for patients with various solid cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ADC approaches show promise, and this project builds on conceptually similar targeting strategies with broader tumor receptor engagement.
Where this research is happening
-
Twostep Therapeutics, INC.
San Carlos, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Caitlyn — Twostep Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Miller, Caitlyn
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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.