Developing new treatments for cancers linked to HPV
Official title: From Academia to Business: Development of Novel Therapeutics Against HPV-Associated Cancer
Funded at Kovina Therapeutics INC. · NIH-10833706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new treatments for cancers linked to high-risk HPV, especially HPV-16, by designing tiny molecules that can block a key protein the virus needs to grow, with the hope of offering better options for patients dealing with these types of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kovina Therapeutics INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,028 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA268137-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10833706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HPV-related cancers, such as cervical, anogenital, or oropharyngeal cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not associated with HPV or those who do not have HPV infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating novel therapeutic agents to combat cancers associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16. The approach involves using advanced computational methods to design small molecules that can inhibit the E6 protein of HPV, which is crucial for the virus's ability to replicate and cause cancer. The project includes rigorous testing of these compounds in laboratory settings to determine their effectiveness and safety, with the goal of advancing the most promising candidates into clinical trials. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that specifically target HPV-related malignancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective new therapies for patients suffering from HPV-associated cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting HPV proteins for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Kovina Therapeutics INC.
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rietz, Anne — Kovina Therapeutics INC.
- Study coordinator: Rietz, Anne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Novel medicines to treat HPV-related cancers
A new medicine aims to specifically target HPV-driven cancers of the oropharynx, cervix, and anus to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.
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.