NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Combining acid ceramidase and Bcl-2 inhibition to treat acute myeloid leukemia

Official title: Mechanisms and In Vivo Efficacy of Synergistic Acid Ceramidase and Bcl-2 Inhibition in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11179104 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new way to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by using a combination of two medications to see if they can work better together, especially for patients who can’t handle regular chemotherapy.

More Leukemia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project startAugust 10, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$38,061
NIH project number5F99CA284252-02
Project IDNIH-11179104 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia who are unable to tolerate standard induction chemotherapy.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of leukemia or those who have already received extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a new treatment approach for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by combining an acid ceramidase inhibitor with venetoclax, a Bcl-2 antagonist. The study aims to understand how this combination can enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies, particularly for patients who cannot tolerate standard chemotherapy. By targeting specific metabolic pathways and survival proteins in AML cells, the research seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce relapse rates. Patients may be involved in trials assessing the safety and efficacy of this novel treatment strategy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, potentially improving survival rates and reducing the likelihood of relapse.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting metabolic pathways in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel combination.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ung, Johnson — University of Virginia
  • Study coordinator: Ung, Johnson

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.