Finding new treatments for melanoma and pancreatic cancer by targeting a specific enzyme.

Discovery of Glutaryl-CoA Dehydrogenase inhibitors for melanoma and pancreatic cancer

NIH-funded research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-10984988

This study is looking for new ways to help people with aggressive melanoma and pancreatic cancer by finding small molecules that can block a specific enzyme called GCDH, which could lead to cancer cell death and better treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10984988 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on discovering inhibitors for glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH), an enzyme linked to aggressive forms of melanoma and pancreatic cancer. The approach involves identifying small molecules that can interfere with GCDH, leading to cancer cell death through a process called apoptosis. By understanding how GCDH functions in these cancers, the research aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could be more effective than current treatments. Patients may benefit from novel therapies that target this specific enzyme, potentially improving outcomes for those with these challenging cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma or pancreatic cancer who have not responded to existing therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those whose melanoma or pancreatic cancer is not aggressive may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that specifically target melanoma and pancreatic cancer, improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although targeting GCDH specifically is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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 cancer cell
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.