New drugs to treat oral cancer using 1,3-thioureas
Official title: 1,3-Thioureas as First In Class Mitochondrial Inhibitors to Treat Oral Cancer
Funded at Keraceuticals, INC. · NIH-11006942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of cancer drug designed to help people with oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the cancer cells in a way that makes them weaker while keeping healthy cells safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Keraceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | September 24, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,635 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DE034719-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with advanced or recurrent cases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those who do not have oral squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new class of anticancer drugs called 1,3-thioureas specifically for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is a common and aggressive form of oral cancer. The approach involves targeting the cancer cells' energy production and calcium balance, leading to stress and death in these cells while sparing healthy tissue. The research includes laboratory tests and animal models to evaluate the effectiveness of these drugs in reducing tumor size and improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with oral cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using 1,3-thioureas is novel, similar strategies targeting mitochondrial function in cancer have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Keraceuticals, INC.
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzales, Cara B — Keraceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Gonzales, Cara B
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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.