Developing new treatments for cancers lacking functional p53.

Design of the First Mdm2 Targeting PROTACs for treatment of p53 Mutant or Deficient Cancers

NIH-funded research Wistar Institute · NIH-10897090

This study is testing new treatments that aim to help people with certain types of cancer by targeting a protein called Mdm2, which helps cancer cells survive when another important protein, p53, isn’t working; if successful, these treatments could help shrink tumors and kill cancer cells in patients whose cancers lack functional p53.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWistar Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10897090 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating innovative compounds called PROTACs that specifically target and degrade Mdm2, a protein that can promote cancer cell survival in cases where the p53 tumor suppressor is mutated or absent. By effectively eliminating Mdm2, the research aims to induce cancer cell death in tumors that do not have functional p53. The approach has shown promising results in laboratory studies, demonstrating safety and effectiveness in killing cancer cells and reducing tumor size in animal models. Patients with p53-deficient cancers may benefit from these new treatments if they prove successful.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that have mutations or deletions in the p53 gene.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that retain functional p53 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with cancers that currently have limited treatment options due to p53 mutations.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success with similar approaches targeting Mdm2, indicating potential for this novel treatment strategy.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.