Investigating a natural product used in leukemia treatment

Cascade Reactions for Biologically Active Natural Products

NIH-funded research Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11240102

This study is looking at a drug called homoharringtonine (HHT), which helps people with chronic myeloid leukemia, to see if it can also help treat other blood cancers, while finding better ways to make it so more patients can get it easily and affordably.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTemple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11240102 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on homoharringtonine (HHT), a drug currently used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, and explores its potential for treating other blood cancers. The project aims to improve the production of HHT by addressing supply issues related to its natural source, cephalotaxine, which is derived from specific trees. By developing more efficient synthetic methods, the research seeks to make HHT more accessible and affordable for patients. Additionally, the study will investigate the mechanisms of protein translation inhibition, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with chronic myeloid leukemia or other hematologic malignancies who may benefit from improved treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with solid tumors or those not affected by hematologic malignancies may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more affordable and accessible treatments for leukemia and other hematologic malignancies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in improving the synthesis of natural products for medical use, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 2026-06-13 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.