Creating new drugs to treat glioblastoma by targeting a specific protein.

Development of BBB-permeable SUMO1 small molecule degraders for glioblastoma therapy.

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11044096

This study is working on new medications that can reach the brain to help treat glioblastoma, a tough type of brain tumor, by targeting a specific protein that helps the tumor grow, with the hope of finding safer and more effective options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11044096 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing small molecule drugs that can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier to treat glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor. The team has identified a protein called SUMO1 that contributes to the growth of glioblastoma cells and is working on creating drugs that can degrade this protein. By screening a library of compounds, they have found promising candidates that show better effectiveness than current treatments. The goal is to optimize these compounds to enhance their potency and safety for potential use in patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who have not responded well to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar proteins for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, 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 druganticancer activity
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.