Developing peptides that can effectively enter cells to target hard-to-reach disease areas

A data-driven approach towards generation of permeable peptide therapeutics

NIH-funded research University of Oregon · NIH-11014626

This study is working on developing new treatments made from tiny proteins that can get inside cells to target hard-to-reach areas, with the hope of finding better options for people with various diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oregon NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Eugene, United States)
Project IDNIH-11014626 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating peptide-based therapeutics that can penetrate cell membranes to access previously undruggable targets inside cells. By utilizing advanced computational techniques and high-throughput screening methods, the project aims to identify and optimize peptides that can effectively bind to these challenging targets. The interdisciplinary approach combines machine learning and experimental data to enhance the development of permeable peptide therapeutics, potentially leading to new treatment options for various diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diseases that involve undruggable targets, particularly those that reside within cells.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that are already effectively treated by existing therapies or those without undruggable targets may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for diseases that currently have limited treatment options due to inaccessible targets.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using peptides as therapeutics is established, the specific methodology of targeting undruggable areas using advanced computational techniques is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Eugene, 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 2026-06-14 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.