New Medicine for Breast Cancer

Identification of small molecule inhibitors to exonuclease 1 for breast cancer treatment

['FUNDING_U01'] · BECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE · NIH-11137790

Researchers are working to create a new medicine that targets a specific enzyme in breast cancer cells, aiming to stop their growth.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_U01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBECKMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE/CITY OF HOPE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DUARTE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11137790 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project focuses on developing a new type of drug that can block the activity of an enzyme called exonuclease 1 (EXO1), which is important for DNA repair in cells. Cancer cells often have more DNA damage and rely heavily on EXO1 to survive, making it a good target for treatment. Scientists will use advanced screening methods to find potential drug candidates and then refine them to create a powerful and specific medicine. The goal is to create a new tool for research and a starting point for a future breast cancer drug.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This early-stage research is for patients with breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors might be vulnerable to targeting DNA repair pathways.

Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those whose cancer does not depend on the EXO1 enzyme for survival may not benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a completely new medication for breast cancer, especially for patients whose tumors rely on this specific DNA repair pathway.

How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel as there are currently no known specific small molecule inhibitors for the EXO1 enzyme.

Where this research is happening

DUARTE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.