Finding new drugs to block a specific protease involved in cancer treatment

Identification of small molecule inhibitors of the DDI2 protease

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11057516

This study is looking for new drugs that can help make cancer treatments, like those for multiple myeloma and breast cancer, work better by blocking a protein called DDI2 that helps cancer cells survive.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-11057516 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on identifying small molecule inhibitors of the DDI2 protease, which plays a crucial role in cancer cell survival. By inhibiting DDI2, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing proteasome inhibitors used in treating conditions like multiple myeloma and breast cancer. The study will involve high-throughput screening of compounds to find those that effectively bind to DDI2, potentially leading to new treatment options. Patients may benefit from improved therapies that target cancer cells more effectively while minimizing the recovery of proteasome activity that limits current treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma or breast cancer who are seeking new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers not reliant on proteasome activity or those who have not responded to proteasome inhibitors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with proteasome inhibitors in cancer treatment, indicating that targeting related pathways may also yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

Richmond, 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 Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndromeanti-cancer therapy
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.