LOX-blocking drugs for chemo-resistant triple-negative breast cancer

Developing novel LOX inhibitors to target chemotherapy resistant TNBC

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · LOXIGEN, INC. · NIH-11178114

This work is creating new drugs that block a protein called LOX to help people whose triple-negative breast cancer has stopped responding to chemotherapy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorLOXIGEN, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11178114 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers are developing selective LOX inhibitors—small molecules designed to block a protein that helps tumors resist chemotherapy. They use high-throughput screening of compound libraries, then optimize hits for potency, selectivity, oral absorption, and safety. Promising candidates are tested in cell models and in mouse models of chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer to see if they restore sensitivity to doxorubicin. The aim is to produce well-tolerated drug candidates that could move toward human testing.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with triple-negative breast cancer whose tumors no longer respond to standard chemotherapy would be the most likely candidates for trials of a LOX inhibitor.

Not a fit: People with other breast cancer subtypes, tumors that still respond to chemotherapy, or cancers driven by different resistance mechanisms may not benefit from a LOX-targeting drug.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could restore chemotherapy sensitivity in some people with chemo-resistant triple-negative breast cancer and improve outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies, including mouse models, have shown that blocking LOX can re-sensitize tumors to doxorubicin, but selective, well-tolerated LOX drugs are still new and under development.

Where this research is happening

CHARLESTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.