Developing a longer-lasting version of a cancer-fighting enzyme for better treatment outcomes
Official title: Engineering in vivo half-life extension of a novel mammalian asparaginase to increase feasibility of pan-cancer therapy
Funded at Enzyme By Design, INC. · NIH-10917942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new version of a medicine called L-asparaginase, which helps treat certain types of leukemia by starving cancer cells, and it's designed to be safer and more effective for adults, especially those with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), to improve their treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Enzyme By Design, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA291296-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or other related leukemias who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with leukemia types that do not respond to L-asparaginase or those who are not eligible for enzyme therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new version of the enzyme L-asparaginase, which is used to treat certain types of leukemia by depleting a vital nutrient that cancer cells need to grow. The new enzyme, EBD-300, is designed to be less toxic and more effective for adult patients, particularly those with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). By reducing side effects and improving the enzyme's persistence in the body, the research aims to enhance treatment options for adults who currently have limited access to this therapy. The approach involves advanced engineering techniques to modify the enzyme's properties for better performance in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for adult leukemia patients by providing a safer and more effective therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar enzyme therapies, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Enzyme By Design, INC.
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schalk, Amanda M — Enzyme By Design, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schalk, Amanda M
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.