Combinatorial targeting for high-risk B-cell ALL treatment
Official title: Combinatorial targeting for the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Funded at West Virginia University · NIH-11579281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research effort at West Virginia University is exploring a combination therapy for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia using targeted gene silencing and a small-molecule compound to improve treatment in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | West Virginia University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morgantown, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $239,753 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM121322-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11579281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults (21+) with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, especially those with high-risk features or Philadelphia chromosome involvement.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without B-ALL or those whose leukemia is not driven by the STATS or MITONEET pathways may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to deliver two therapies together to kill leukemia cells more effectively: STAT5 silencing with siRNA and a molecule called NL-1, packaged in a delivery system that can reach B-cell ALL cells. The team plans to use an ionizable lipid nanoparticle to carry both the genetic material and the drug, ensuring they reach the disease-causing cells inside the body. The goal is to show that combining these agents can more strongly suppress leukemia cell growth than either agent alone, with a focus on the Philadelphia chromosome-positive subgroup. The work builds on preliminary data showing the delivery system can reach B-cell ALL cells in lab experiments and is moving toward in vivo assessment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new, targeted therapy that combines gene silencing and a small molecule to improve outcomes for adults with B-ALL.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise with targeted delivery of nucleic acids and small molecules to leukemia cells, but the specific combination and delivery approach are novel.
Where this research is happening
-
West Virginia University
Morgantown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bobbala, Sharan Kumar Reddy — West Virginia University
- Study coordinator: Bobbala, Sharan Kumar Reddy
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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.