New medicines for cancers with specific genetic changes
Design of the First Mdm2 Targeting PROTACs for treatment of p53 Mutant or Deficient Cancers
['FUNDING_R01'] · WISTAR INSTITUTE · NIH-11137822
This research is creating new drug-like molecules called PROTACs to target a protein called Mdm2 in cancers where the p53 gene is faulty or missing.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WISTAR INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137822 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many cancers have a problem with a gene called p53, which normally helps prevent tumors. When p53 isn't working, cancer cells can grow more easily. This project is developing a new type of medicine, called PROTACs, that specifically targets another protein, Mdm2, which helps cancer cells survive even without working p53. These PROTACs are designed to remove Mdm2, which could then cause the cancer cells to die. Early tests in models show these new medicines can effectively kill cancer cells and are safe.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers that have a mutated or missing p53 gene, which represents about half of all human cancers, could potentially benefit from future treatments based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve p53 mutations or deficiencies may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment options for patients with cancers that have specific p53 gene mutations or deficiencies, which are currently difficult to treat.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific PROTACs are novel, the concept of targeting Mdm2 and its p53-independent functions has been explored by this team and others, showing promising results in preclinical models.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- WISTAR INSTITUTE — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SALVINO, JOSEPH M — WISTAR INSTITUTE
- Study coordinator: SALVINO, JOSEPH M
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 below.