Developing new drugs to treat aggressive breast cancer

Small Molecule CUL4 Inhibitors as Dual Precision Oncology and Immuno-Oncology Drugs

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CULNEXIN THERAPEUTICS, INC. · NIH-10673021

This study is looking for new drugs that can specifically target and kill cancer cells in patients with aggressive triple negative breast cancer, while leaving healthy cells unharmed, to improve treatment options for you.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCULNEXIN THERAPEUTICS, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PRINCETON JUNCTION, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10673021 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating small molecule drugs that inhibit the CUL4A protein, which is linked to aggressive forms of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The approach involves identifying compounds that can selectively target and kill cancer cells overexpressing CUL4A while sparing healthy tissue. By understanding the role of CUL4A in tumor growth and immune response, the research aims to enhance both targeted and immunotherapy treatments for patients with TNBC. The project includes extensive screening of compounds to find effective inhibitors and evaluating their potential in preclinical models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, particularly those with high levels of CUL4A expression.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those whose tumors do not express high levels of CUL4A may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new targeted treatment option for patients with triple negative breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting CUL4A is novel, similar strategies targeting other oncogenic pathways have shown promise in previous cancer research.

Where this research is happening

PRINCETON JUNCTION, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, Cancer Drug, Neoplastic Disease Chemotherapeutic Agents, anti-cancer drug, anticancer agent

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.