Exploring how natural products can lead to new cancer treatments
Official title: Convergent Evolution in Natural Product Biosynthesis
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11144503 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how natural substances made by living things can help create new cancer treatments, focusing on finding special compounds that have proven to be effective against cancer over time, so we can discover better medicines inspired by nature.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $356,514 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155161-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11144503 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who may benefit from novel anticancer therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cancer or are not seeking new treatment options may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of natural products, which are small organic molecules produced by living organisms, in developing new cancer therapies. By focusing on the concept of convergent evolution in natural product biosynthesis, the study aims to identify biologically significant molecules that have survived natural selection multiple times. The researchers will explore specific compounds known for their anticancer properties and develop innovative methods to efficiently discover new drug leads from these natural sources. This approach could enhance the drug development process by leveraging nature's own solutions to create effective cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the discovery of new and more effective cancer treatments derived from natural products.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in utilizing natural products for drug development, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newton, Christopher — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Newton, Christopher
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.