Developing new treatments for acute myeloid leukemia using synthetic biology

Synthetic Biology for Splice Modulating Polyketides

NIH-funded research Varigen Biosciences Corporation · NIH-10920004

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 typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVarigen Biosciences Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Middleton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10920004 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or related cancers.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers not related to acute myeloid leukemia may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Middleton, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agents
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.