Creating new treatments for leukemia by targeting specific cancer cells

Development of AMPK Inhibitors for the treatment of leukemia

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10889998

This study is looking at new medicines that can block a protein called AMPK in leukemia cells, with the hope of making these cells easier to treat or even getting rid of them completely, and it's aimed at helping people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10889998 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new drugs that inhibit a protein called AMPK, which is found in certain leukemia cells. By targeting these cells, the goal is to make them more vulnerable to existing treatments or eliminate them entirely. The researchers are studying how these leukemia stem cells behave and how they can be affected by AMPK inhibitors. They are also testing new compounds that can effectively inhibit AMPK in laboratory models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those who have relapsed or have not responded to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting AMPK in leukemia is a relatively novel approach, there is emerging evidence suggesting that similar strategies have shown promise in other cancer types.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.
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.