NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

New topical cream to treat precancerous skin lesions and prevent skin cancer.

Official title: Investigational new drug enabling studies for the development of a topical fixed dose combination drug product to treat actinic keratosis and prevent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Funded at Phd Skin Care LLC · NIH-10701001 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new cream that combines two medicines to help treat actinic keratosis and lower the chances of getting skin cancer, and it's designed for people who want a more effective and easy-to-use treatment for these skin issues.

More Carcinoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPhd Skin Care LLC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 15, 2022
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$865,339
NIH project number5R44AR080475-02
Project IDNIH-10701001 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with actinic keratosis who are at risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have actinic keratosis or those with advanced skin cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new topical cream that combines two medications, calcipotriol and 5-fluorouracil, to treat actinic keratosis (AK) and prevent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The approach aims to harness the immune system's response to effectively manage these skin conditions. Patients will apply this cream, which is designed to be stable and well-tolerated, potentially offering a more effective treatment option than existing therapies. The goal is to provide a prescription product that not only treats AK but also reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a more effective treatment for actinic keratosis and significantly lower their risk of developing skin cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar combination therapies for skin conditions, indicating potential for success in this innovative approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Phd Skin Care LLC
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mahon, Andrew B — Phd Skin Care LLC
  • Study coordinator: Mahon, Andrew B

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes

    This project looks at the genes involved in a common skin cancer (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to understand what mutations drive its growth and how it evolves from benign skin lesions.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11398277

  • Genetic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

    Researchers will look at DNA changes in skin squamous cell carcinoma and in nearby precursor lesions to find mutations that drive the cancer.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11136374

  • Understanding Twist1 to Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer

    This work explores how a protein called Twist1 contributes to squamous cell skin cancer and aims to find new ways to stop or treat this disease.

    NIH research University of Texas at Austin · Austin, United States · NIH-11092757

  • Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer

    This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by comparing cancerous spots with their non-cancerous beginnings, to help find better ways to catch and treat this cancer early for patients like you.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11064287

  • Exploring how epigenetic changes affect skin cancer development

    This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect the development of skin cancer, especially in military personnel who are often exposed to the sun, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this common condition.

    NIH research Minneapolis VA Medical Center · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-10927704

  • Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer

    This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-10914884

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.