New, safer human-like enzyme therapy to treat leukemia and other cancers
Official title: Validating the reduced immunogenicity of novel human-like asparaginases to de-risk clinical development
Funded at Enzyme By Design, INC. · NIH-11405207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to develop a human-like enzyme (ASNase) with lower immune reactions and no unwanted activity, so adults with leukemia and other cancers could receive this treatment more safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Enzyme By Design, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | September 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA306391-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with AML, ALL, and other lymphoid or myeloid leukemias who may benefit from ASNase therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers or conditions not reliant on blood asparagine or those unable to tolerate enzyme-based therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program focuses on creating a next-generation L-asparaginase that is less likely to trigger immune responses and does not damage glutamine pathways. The team aims to prove the new enzyme can deplete asparagine in the body safely, potentially expanding use beyond pediatric leukemia to adults and other cancers. The work involves designing a human-like version of the enzyme, testing its safety and persistence in the body, and addressing how it could be used in real patient care. If successful, this could lead to fewer side effects and more patients able to complete treatment regimens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adults with leukemia and other cancers could receive ASNase with fewer serious side effects and broader applicability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ASNase approaches faced immunogenicity and toxicity; this project proposes a novel, safer, human-like version that has shown promise in preclinical models.
Where this research is happening
-
Enzyme By Design, INC.
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schalk, Amanda M — Enzyme By Design, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schalk, Amanda 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.