New drugs targeting a protein to treat aggressive breast cancer

Small Molecule CUL4 Inhibitors as Dual Precision Oncology and Immuno-Oncology Drugs

NIH-funded research Culnexin Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10325861

This study is looking for new small drugs that can block a protein called CUL4A, which is connected to triple negative breast cancer, to help destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy ones and possibly boosting the immune system to fight the cancer better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCulnexin Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Princeton Junction, United States)
Project IDNIH-10325861 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative small molecule drugs that inhibit the CUL4A protein, which is linked to triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer that currently lacks effective targeted treatments. The approach involves identifying compounds that can selectively target and inhibit CUL4A, leading to the destruction of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Additionally, this treatment may enhance the immune response against tumors, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, particularly those with high levels of CUL4A expression.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those whose tumors do not express high levels of CUL4A may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new targeted therapy for patients with triple negative breast cancer, improving survival rates and treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting CUL4A is novel, similar strategies targeting other proteins in cancer therapy have shown promise in previous research.

Where this research is happening

Princeton Junction, 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.
Conditions Anti-Cancer AgentsCancer DrugNeoplastic Disease Chemotherapeutic Agentsanti-cancer druganticancer agent
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.