New small-molecule drugs to block Rac and Cdc42 and stop cancer spread
Assessment of small molecules as covalent inhibitors of Rac/Cdc42
Testing new small-molecule drugs that block Rac and Cdc42 proteins to try to stop cancer cells from spreading, aiming to help people with metastatic breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325834 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing more potent versions of a drug that blocks Rac and Cdc42, proteins that help cancer cells move and spread. They already showed an earlier drug, MBQ-167, reduced tumor growth and metastasis in mice and obtained an FDA IND for phase 1 testing. The current work focuses on CPV-337, a compound that appears three to five times stronger in lab tests and may bind covalently to its targets, and it will be studied in cells and animal models to learn how it works and how safe it is. If results are favorable, this could lead to early human trials at the University of Puerto Rico and partner sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metastatic breast cancer whose disease is not controlled by current treatments could be candidates for future early-phase trials of these drugs.
Not a fit: People with early-stage cancer, non-cancer conditions, or tumors that do not depend on Rac/Cdc42 signaling are unlikely to benefit from this work now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could slow or stop cancer metastasis and lead to new treatment options for people with metastatic breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: An earlier related compound, MBQ-167, showed promising anti-metastatic effects in mice and advanced to an FDA IND for phase 1 testing, while CPV-337 is a newer, more potent candidate.
Where this research is happening
San Juan, United States
- University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences — San Juan, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vlaar, Cornelis P — University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences
- Study coordinator: Vlaar, Cornelis P
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.