Improving cancer treatment outcomes by blocking side effects of immunotherapy
Official title: IND-Enabling Toxicology for a Novel Ca2+ Channel Therapeutic to Improve Outcomes Associated with Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy
Funded at Vivreon Biosciences, LLC · NIH-10631213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new pill called VV2003 to help cancer patients who experience stomach issues from their immunotherapy treatments, so they can keep fighting cancer without needing other medications that might make their treatment less effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vivreon Biosciences, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $502,010 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA268541-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10631213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who are undergoing or are eligible for checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy and are at risk of developing gastrointestinal side effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy or those with contraindications to the use of Ca2+ channel inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new oral medication, VV2003, which aims to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects caused by checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy in cancer patients. By selectively blocking enterocolitis, a common and severe side effect of these therapies, VV2003 allows patients to continue their cancer treatment without the need for immunosuppressive drugs that can hinder the effectiveness of the immunotherapy. The approach involves testing the safety and efficacy of this novel Ca2+ channel inhibitor in conjunction with existing cancer treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable cancer patients to receive more effective immunotherapy without the debilitating side effects of enterocolitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted therapies to mitigate side effects of cancer treatments, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Vivreon Biosciences, LLC
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenberg, Milton L — Vivreon Biosciences, LLC
- Study coordinator: Greenberg, Milton L
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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.