NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

Creating a new treatment for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma using antibody and RNA technology

Official title: Development of an antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate for treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Funded at Mirecule, INC. · NIH-11008149 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new treatment for advanced head and neck cancer that combines a special antibody with a modified RNA to help fight the cancer more effectively, aiming to improve outcomes for patients like you.

More Squamous Cell Carcinoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMirecule, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gaithersburg, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 18, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$863,708
NIH project number1R44CA291527-01A1
Project IDNIH-11008149 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with locoregionally advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma who have limited treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma or those whose cancer is not responsive to EGFR-targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) by combining an antibody, cetuximab, with a modified RNA molecule that mimics a tumor suppressor. The approach aims to target multiple growth factor receptors that cancer cells use to survive and grow, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with advanced disease. By using this antibody-RNA conjugate, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies and address the limitations of current treatments. Patients may benefit from a more comprehensive attack on the cancer cells, which could lead to better survival rates.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using antibody-RNA conjugates for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may be viable.

Where this research is happening

  • Mirecule, INC.
    Gaithersburg, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Saleh, Anthony D — Mirecule, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Saleh, Anthony D

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.