How drugs target the KRAS G12C cancer mutation

KRAS G12C: Kinetic and Redox Characterization of Covalent Inhibition

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11295398

This project looks at how two drugs attach to and act on the KRAS G12C mutation so treatments for people with KRAS G12C cancers can be improved.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11295398 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers use a new fluorescence-based lab method to measure how acrylamide-based drugs bind and react with the KRAS G12C protein. They directly compare the kinetics of the two clinical compounds sotorasib (AMG510) and adagrasib (MRTX849) to understand their different behaviors. The team also examines how the oxidative (redox) state inside tumor cells affects the reactive cysteine at position 12 and drug binding. Results come from biochemical assays and cell-based experiments that aim to explain why drugs differ and how to design better ones.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People whose tumors carry the KRAS G12C mutation (for example many non-small cell lung cancers) are the group most likely to benefit from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not have the KRAS G12C mutation or whose tumors rely on other resistance mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide improved KRAS G12C-targeted drugs or better use of existing drugs for patients with KRAS G12C-positive tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Covalent KRAS G12C inhibitors such as sotorasib and adagrasib have already shown clinical benefit, but detailed kinetic and redox analyses like this are relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
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.