Improving cancer treatment outcomes by blocking side effects of immunotherapy

IND-Enabling Toxicology for a Novel Ca2+ Channel Therapeutic to Improve Outcomes Associated with Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy

NIH-funded research Vivreon Biosciences, LLC · NIH-10631213

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVivreon Biosciences, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10631213 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

San Diego, 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 Cancersneoplasm/cancer
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.