Investigating a new treatment for uveal melanoma using a specific drug.
Official title: Arylsulfonamides for the Treatment of Primary and Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Funded at Oncospherix, INC. · NIH-10817841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new drug called 64B to see if it can help treat advanced eye cancer, specifically metastatic and high-risk uveal melanoma, by working alongside other treatments to slow down tumor growth and improve survival, making it a hopeful option for patients facing this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oncospherix, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,025,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA254756-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with metastatic or high-risk uveal melanoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage uveal melanoma or those not diagnosed with this specific type of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new drug called 64B, which targets a specific protein involved in cancer growth, to treat metastatic and high-risk uveal melanoma, the most common eye cancer in adults. The approach involves using 64B in combination with other cancer therapies to enhance its effectiveness while minimizing side effects. The research includes preclinical studies in mice to evaluate how well 64B works in slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates. If successful, this treatment could offer a new option for patients with advanced uveal melanoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and better-tolerated treatment option for patients with uveal melanoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Oncospherix, INC.
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Offermann, Margaret Kenny — Oncospherix, INC.
- Study coordinator: Offermann, Margaret Kenny
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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-
Targeting serotonin receptors to boost a cancer cell weakness in uveal melanoma
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-
Improving treatment response in uveal melanoma by targeting Syk with new translational models
A Mayo Clinic team is exploring whether blocking the Syk protein can make uveal melanoma more responsive to PARP inhibitors in patients who have this eye cancer that often spreads.
-
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This project follows adults with uveal melanoma and tracks signals in eye fluid and blood to find early signs that the cancer may be spreading.
-
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A new test using a sample from the eye’s aqueous fluid could predict if uveal melanoma is likely to spread, without needing a risky biopsy.
-
Targeting stress defenses in eye melanoma that spreads to the liver
Researchers are working to weaken tumor cells' defenses against oxidative damage so liver metastases from uveal (eye) melanoma in adults become more vulnerable to treatment.
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.