Developing a new linker strategy for antibody-drug conjugates to improve cancer treatment

Legumain to the rescue: A new ADC linker strategy to address the limitations of cathepsin cleavage

NIH-funded research State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11005779

This study is working on making cancer and autoimmune disease treatments better by creating new ways to deliver medicine directly to the right cells, which could lead to safer and more effective options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Binghamton, United States)
Project IDNIH-11005779 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which are used in treating various conditions including cancer and autoimmune diseases. The team aims to create new linker strategies that enhance the stability and effectiveness of these treatments by using asparagine motifs that can be cleaved by specific enzymes. By addressing current challenges such as unexpected toxicity and poor pharmacokinetics, this research seeks to optimize the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to target cells. Patients may benefit from more effective and safer treatment options as a result of this innovative approach.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers or autoimmune diseases who may benefit from advanced therapies involving antibody-drug conjugates.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cancer or autoimmune diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer cancer treatments through improved antibody-drug conjugates.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been successful developments in antibody-drug conjugates, this specific approach to linker optimization is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Binghamton, 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.