NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Nanoparticle Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer

Official title: Advancing the commercialization readiness of nanoparticle-based immunotherapy for cancer treatment

Funded at Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11184418 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project is developing a new nanoparticle-based immunotherapy called ARAC-02 to improve outcomes for people with non-small cell lung cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPdx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 5, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$89,348
NIH project number5SB1CA287735-02
Project IDNIH-11184418 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have not responded well to current immune checkpoint inhibitors or are seeking new treatment approaches might be ideal candidates for future clinical trials.

Less likely to help

Patients without non-small cell lung cancer or those whose cancer does not involve the specific immune pathways targeted by ARAC-02 may not receive direct benefit from this particular therapy.

What this research studies

For patients with non-small cell lung cancer, current treatments often involve harsh drugs and radiation, with limited long-term success. This project focuses on ARAC-02, a new type of immunotherapy that uses tiny nanoparticles to deliver multiple agents directly to cancer cells. These nanoparticles are designed to kill cancer cells, release signals that activate the immune system, and block proteins that prevent the immune system from fighting the tumor. The goal is to create a powerful anti-tumor immune response that could lead to better results than existing therapies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new immunotherapy could offer a more effective and potentially curative treatment option for many patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

How similar studies have gone: This approach builds on prior successful research, including a highly-rated initial grant phase, published data in Nature Communications, and a US patent for the ARAC-02 technology.

Where this research is happening

  • Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
    Portland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ngamcherdtrakul, Worapol — Pdx Pharmaceuticals, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Ngamcherdtrakul, Worapol

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.