Improving targeted antibody‑drug treatments for acute myeloid leukemia
Pharmacokinetic / Pharmacodynamic Optimization of ADC Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Developing safer, more effective antibody‑drug therapies for people with acute myeloid leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257311 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create new antibodies and tiny antibody fragments that latch onto three proteins often found on AML cells (CD123, CLL1, TIM3). They will attach cancer‑killing drug payloads to these targeting pieces and test single and bispecific designs to better hit leukemia cells while avoiding healthy tissue. The team will also develop small antibody fragments that bind any free drug released outside cancer cells to reduce damage to normal organs. Computer models of drug behavior (PK/PD) and lab and animal studies will guide which approaches look safest and most active before any work in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with AML—especially those with relapsed or treatment‑resistant disease or whose leukemia expresses CD123, CLL1, or TIM3—would be the likely candidates for future clinical trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: People without AML, those whose leukemia does not express the targeted proteins, or anyone seeking an immediate treatment option are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make antibody‑drug conjugates for AML less toxic and more effective, potentially widening safe treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Some ADCs have shown benefit in AML historically (for example CD33‑directed agents), but bispecific ADCs and payload‑binding enhancer strategies are newer and have limited clinical data so far.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balthasar, Joseph P — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Balthasar, Joseph P
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 below.