Exosome-delivered microRNA therapy for resistant lung cancer

Exosomal Based micro RNA delivery for Resistant Lung Cancer

NIH-funded research Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ · NIH-11325757

Seeing if tiny natural particles called exosomes can carry microRNA to help treat lung cancers that have stopped responding to EGFR-targeted drugs like osimertinib.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFlorida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tallahassee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11325757 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project develops a therapy that packages microRNA into exosomes—small natural delivery particles—to target non-small cell lung cancers that have become resistant to EGFR inhibitors. Researchers are using exosomes made by natural killer cells because these showed stronger tumor-killing effects in lab-grown patient-derived lung tumor cells and in mouse graft models. In experiments, the exosomes reduced proteins linked to resistance and triggered tumor cell death, and the team will refine delivery and dosing in preclinical models. The work is focused on overcoming acquired resistance mechanisms such as the T790M EGFR mutation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors have become resistant to EGFR-targeted drugs like osimertinib would be the most relevant candidates for future related trials.

Not a fit: Patients with lung cancers that lack EGFR mutations or those seeking immediate standard-of-care treatments are unlikely to benefit from this preclinical research at this time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a new way to overcome drug resistance and shrink tumors in some patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal studies of exosome-based delivery show promise in slowing tumor growth, but this approach is still experimental and has not yet been proven in people.

Where this research is happening

Tallahassee, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agents
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.