Engineered antibodies that enter tumor cells to block KRAS mutations
Novel immunotherapies using optimized tumor cell-penetrating antibodies
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11247543
Engineered antibodies designed to get inside cancer cells and shut down KRAS mutations for people with KRAS-driven solid tumors, including cancers that no longer respond to KRAS drugs.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247543 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating engineered IgG antibodies that carry a small peptide allowing them to bind a transporter (PIGR) and enter epithelial tumor cells. In lab and animal tests these antibodies target mutant KRAS (like KRASG12D), neutralize the cancer-driving protein inside cells, and slow or stop tumor growth. The team will refine how the antibodies work, pick the best candidate, and improve production and durability compared with prior dimeric IgA approaches. The work is focused on preparing a candidate for clinical development at Duke and partner sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with solid tumors that carry KRAS activating mutations (for example KRASG12D), particularly if their cancer has stopped responding to existing KRAS-targeted drugs.
Not a fit: People whose tumors do not have the target KRAS mutations or patients with non-epithelial cancers are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could become a new treatment option for patients with KRAS-mutant cancers, especially those whose tumors are resistant to current KRAS inhibitors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies showed dimeric IgA targeting KRASG12D could stop tumor growth, but engineering durable PIGR-binding IgG antibodies is a newer translational strategy still under testing.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CONEJO-GARCIA, JOSE R — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CONEJO-GARCIA, JOSE R
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 below.
Conditions: Cancer Genes, Cancer Patient, Cancer-Promoting Gene, Cancers