Creating safe drugs to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer
Official title: Development of Potent and non-toxic rexinoids to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11015805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new medications to help prevent skin cancer in people with weakened immune systems, like those who have had organ transplants, by creating safer and more effective options that don’t have the usual side effects of current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $610,112 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276683-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are solid organ transplant recipients and other individuals with compromised immune systems who are at increased risk for non-melanoma skin cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have compromised immune systems or those who are not at risk for non-melanoma skin cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new rexinoids, which are small molecule drugs designed to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer, particularly in patients with compromised immune systems, such as solid organ transplant recipients. The researchers aim to create two specific compounds, UAB30 and UAB20, that are non-toxic and effective in preventing skin cancer without causing common side effects associated with existing treatments. By utilizing advanced techniques like x-ray crystallography, they will enhance the potency and safety of these drugs for long-term use. The goal is to provide a safer option for patients at high risk of skin cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in high-risk populations, improving their overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using rexinoids for cancer prevention, but this approach aims to enhance their safety and efficacy, making it a novel advancement.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atigadda, Venkatram Reddy — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Atigadda, Venkatram Reddy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
CivaDerm: a new four-day skin cancer radiation bandage
A new four‑day radiation bandage for non-melanoma skin cancer aims to treat facial and other areas without multiple clinic visits or big scars.
-
MOSAIC II: MAP Wound Matrix to speed graft readiness after non-melanoma skin cancer surgery
A randomized trial tests a moldable wound scaffold (MAP Wound Matrix) to speed healing and time to graft-ready skin after head and neck cancer surgeries in adults.
-
Low-energy skin radiation patches for treating non-melanoma skin cancer
A patient-friendly device idea uses a patch to deliver a tiny amount of radiation right at the skin to treat non-melanoma skin cancer in as few visits.
-
Safer medicines to prevent basal and squamous (non‑melanoma) skin cancer
Researchers are developing new, non‑toxic oral rexinoid medicines aimed at preventing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, especially for people with weakened immune systems like organ transplant recipients.
-
New ways to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer
This study is looking for new ways to help prevent non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, by understanding how these cancers develop and testing new treatments that could lower your risk.
-
Advancing Treatments for Melanoma and Skin Cancer
This program is looking for new and better ways to treat melanoma and other skin cancers, especially when current treatments aren't enough.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.