New treatment approach for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia
Official title: A novel approach for treating myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Funded at Avantgen, INC. · NIH-11189625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to develop a new antibody-based therapy to help people with MDS or AML, especially older or frail patients who cannot tolerate high-dose chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Avantgen, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $574,272 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA291331-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11189625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia, especially older or medically unfit patients and those with relapsed or treatment‑resistant disease, would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are candidates for curative high‑dose induction chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant may not receive benefit from this experimental approach.
What this research studies
Many people with MDS rely on blood transfusions and older medications, and about one-third progress to AML, which is particularly hard to treat in older or unfit patients. This project is developing an antibody-based therapy designed to target and kill abnormal blood precursor cells that drive MDS and AML. The team will manufacture the therapeutic agent and perform laboratory and preclinical testing as steps toward giving the treatment to patients. If human testing occurs, participants would receive the experimental therapy and have regular monitoring for safety and response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a new treatment option that reduces transfusion needs, delays progression to AML, and improves outcomes for patients who cannot undergo intensive chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Targeted small-molecule drugs have helped some AML subgroups but tend to have high relapse rates, while antibody-based treatments for AML/MDS are newer and remain under active investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Avantgen, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Xiaomin — Avantgen, INC.
- Study coordinator: Fan, Xiaomin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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New treatment options for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia
This study is exploring new treatment options for people with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by looking at their genetic makeup and developing targeted therapies that could help improve their health.
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SHP2 and BCL2 inhibitors together for AML growth and resistance
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Targeting RNA polymerase II in AML with RAS pathway activation
This project tests drugs that block RNA polymerase II to help people whose acute myeloid leukemia has RAS pathway activation and is resistant to FLT3 inhibitors.
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.