Dermal therapy to treat skin squamous cell carcinoma
Official title: Development of dermal targeting formulations for squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at Via Therapeutics, LLC · NIH-11316113 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new topical treatment is being developed for people with skin squamous cell carcinoma, especially when surgery isn’t an option.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Via Therapeutics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $660,779 |
| NIH project number | 2R44CA257783-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11316113 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who cannot undergo surgery or prefer a topical treatment option.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer does not respond to topical approaches or who have cancers outside the skin may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a novel topical formulation designed to deliver anticancer compounds into the skin where cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma grows. Researchers will optimize the manufacturing process, test the product in animals and skin models, and gather data to support moving toward human testing. The goal is to provide a safe, effective topical option that can reach the cancer cells in the skin with minimal systemic exposure. If successful, this work could lead to a new treatment that complements or substitutes for surgery in some patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with cSCC could have a new topical option that targets cancer cells in the skin with limited side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous topical cancer treatments have shown variable success; this project builds on encouraging preclinical data but human results are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Via Therapeutics, LLC
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smyth, Hugh David — Via Therapeutics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Smyth, Hugh David
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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.