Creating safe drugs to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer
Development of Potent and non-toxic rexinoids to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer
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 ID | NIH-11015805 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Birmingham, United States
- 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
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 below.