Developing software to predict how well PROTACs can degrade target proteins
Official title: Algorithm and software for predicting the structure and degrading efficiency of PROTACs
Funded at Acpharis, INC. · NIH-11008026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new computer program that helps scientists design special molecules called PROTACs, which can help get rid of harmful proteins in the body, potentially leading to better treatments for diseases caused by protein issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Acpharis, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Holliston, United States) |
| Project start | September 4, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $202,274 |
| NIH project number | 1R43GM156165-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with conditions that involve protein misregulation, such as certain cancers or neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to protein degradation or those who do not respond to PROTAC-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating an algorithm and software that can accurately predict the structure and effectiveness of PROTACs, which are innovative molecules designed to degrade specific proteins in the body. By connecting a target protein to an E3 ubiquitin ligase, PROTACs can initiate the degradation of unwanted proteins, potentially leading to new treatments for various diseases. The project aims to improve the design of PROTACs by generating models of the interactions between these molecules and their targets, making it easier for researchers to develop effective therapies. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for conditions related to protein misregulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for diseases caused by the malfunction of specific proteins.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using computational tools for drug design, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Acpharis, INC.
Holliston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beglov, Dmitri — Acpharis, INC.
- Study coordinator: Beglov, Dmitri
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.