New Antibody-Like Treatments Using Tiny Nucleic Acid Particles

Nucleic Acid Nanoparticle-based Monoclonal Antibody Mimics

NIH-funded research Ball State University · NIH-11220513

This work aims to create new, more stable, and affordable antibody-like treatments for cancers like prostate cancer, using special nucleic acid nanoparticles.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBall State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Muncie, United States)
Project IDNIH-11220513 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Traditional antibody treatments for cancers can be expensive, complex to produce, and sometimes unstable. This project is developing a new type of treatment that mimics these antibodies using tiny particles made from nucleic acids, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. These new particles are designed to be very specific in targeting cancer cells, much like antibodies, but with the added benefits of being more stable, easier to store, and potentially less costly to make. The goal is to create a panel of these next-generation particles that can bind strongly to prostate cancer cells.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not yet recruiting patients, but future clinical trials would likely seek patients with specific cancers, such as prostate cancer, who might benefit from new therapeutic approaches.

Not a fit: Patients without the specific cancer types targeted by these new agents, or those who respond well to existing therapies, may not directly benefit from this particular treatment approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accessible, stable, and effective treatments for prostate cancer and potentially other cancers, with fewer side effects and easier storage.

How similar studies have performed: Nucleic acid aptamers have shown promise in various diagnostic and therapeutic applications, suggesting a foundation for this novel approach to mimic monoclonal antibodies.

Where this research is happening

Muncie, 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.