Developing new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia using synthetic biology
Official title: Synthetic Biology for Splice Modulating Polyketides
Funded at Varigen Biosciences Corporation · NIH-10920004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other cancers by developing special compounds from natural sources that can help fix the way genes are spliced in cancer cells, making it easier to find effective therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Varigen Biosciences Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Middleton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 1, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,088 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA287469-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or related cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not related to acute myeloid leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative RNA splice modulators derived from natural products to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other cancers. By utilizing synthetic biology techniques, the project aims to synthesize complex polyketide compounds that can effectively target specific components of the spliceosome involved in cancer progression. The approach combines medicinal chemistry with synthetic biology to overcome challenges in producing these compounds at scale, ultimately aiming to identify a promising candidate for further clinical development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of synthetic biology in drug development is a growing field, this specific approach to creating splice modulators for AML is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Varigen Biosciences Corporation
Middleton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mead, David Alan — Varigen Biosciences Corporation
- Study coordinator: Mead, David Alan
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.