Investigating new drugs that target and degrade a cancer-related protein called STAT3
Small-molecule STAT3 degraders
This study is testing a new type of medicine that aims to help cancer patients by breaking down a protein called STAT3, which can make tumors grow and resist treatment, and if successful, it could offer a better way to fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10741794 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing small-molecule drugs that can effectively degrade the STAT3 protein, which is often overactive in various cancers and contributes to tumor growth and resistance to treatment. The approach utilizes a novel strategy called proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) to induce the targeted degradation of STAT3, potentially offering a more effective treatment option compared to traditional inhibitors. The lead compound, SD-36, has shown promising results in preclinical tests by selectively degrading STAT3 and suppressing its activity in cancer cells. Patients may benefit from this innovative therapeutic approach if it proves successful in clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers characterized by aberrant STAT3 activation.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve STAT3 activation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that specifically target and eliminate the STAT3 protein, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting protein degradation is gaining traction, this specific application targeting STAT3 is novel and has not been previously reported.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Shaomeng — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wang, Shaomeng
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.