Creating a new platform to discover cancer-fighting drugs that target specific proteins

Development of a generalizable chemo-proteomics screening platform for small molecule degraders applied to HDACs

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11167579

This study is working on a new way to find drugs that can safely and effectively target and remove certain proteins that help cancer grow, which could lead to better treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11167579 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel screening platform to identify small molecule degraders that can effectively target and eliminate specific proteins involved in cancer. By utilizing a structure-guided approach, the researchers aim to design a library of potential drug candidates that can degrade proteins considered 'undruggable' by traditional methods. The methodology includes advanced chemo-proteomics screening to analyze how these degraders interact with target proteins, providing insights into their effectiveness and safety. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that are less toxic and more effective against their cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancers that involve proteins currently deemed difficult to target with existing therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve the targeted proteins or those who are not eligible for new drug trials may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer and more effective cancer therapies that specifically target and eliminate harmful proteins.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using targeted protein degradation as a therapeutic strategy, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer druganti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.