Creating new small-molecule treatments for triple-negative breast cancer

Development of Heterobivalent Small-Molecule Therapeutics for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

NIH-funded research Weatherwax Biotechnologies Corporation · NIH-11031993

This study is working on new medicines to help fight triple-negative breast cancer, which is a tough type of breast cancer that doesn't respond well to standard treatments, and aims to improve survival and quality of life for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeatherwax Biotechnologies Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11031993 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative small-molecule therapeutics specifically designed to target triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks effective hormone and antibody therapies. The approach aims to restore the tumor suppressor functions of mutated p53 proteins, which are prevalent in TNBC cases, thereby improving treatment outcomes. By utilizing advanced drug design techniques, the researchers hope to create compounds that can effectively combat this challenging cancer type. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those with advanced stages of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer or those whose cancer has not progressed to an advanced stage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting p53 mutations in cancer therapy is promising, it is still considered a novel and untested strategy in the context of triple-negative breast cancer.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 advanced breast canceradvanced stage breast canceraggressive breast cancer
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.