New drugs to treat oral cancer using 1,3-thioureas

1,3-Thioureas as First In Class Mitochondrial Inhibitors to Treat Oral Cancer

NIH-funded research Keraceuticals, INC. · NIH-11006942

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKeraceuticals, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Antonio, United States)
Project IDNIH-11006942 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with advanced or recurrent cases.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancers or those who do not have oral squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

San Antonio, 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 Agents
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.