New tubulin-targeting treatment for metastatic prostate cancer
Targeting the colchicine binding site in tubulin for cancer therapy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR · NIH-11141738
This project develops next-generation versions of a tubulin-blocking drug (based on Veru-111) to help people with metastatic prostate cancer whose tumors resist current treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141738 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are improving a drug called Veru-111 that already reached Phase 2 testing and designing a next-generation molecule (SHIP-216) meant to work when other tubulin drugs stop working. They use detailed X-ray structures to guide chemical changes, test new compounds in prostate cancer cells, and study drug-like properties to pick the best candidates. The team is also creating targeted drug conjugates to deliver the medicine more directly to prostate tumors and to bone metastases. Successful candidates would move forward toward further preclinical work and clinical testing at trial sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with metastatic prostate cancer, particularly those whose disease has become resistant to taxanes or other tubulin-targeting drugs and who are eligible for early-phase clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage/localized prostate cancer not needing systemic tubulin therapy, or those who cannot tolerate experimental agents, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could overcome resistance to existing tubulin therapies and improve responses and survival for people with metastatic prostate cancer, including those with bone metastases.
How similar studies have performed: Related tubulin-targeting drugs (like taxanes) have helped many patients and Veru-111 has reached Phase 2, but the SHIP-216 next-generation and targeted-conjugate approaches are relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR — MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, WEI — UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR
- Study coordinator: LI, WEI
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.