NIH-funded research Sbir 1 grant

Novel macrophage repolarization therapy for colorectal cancer

Funded at Panorama Research, INC. · NIH-11314230 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new treatment approach aims to reshape the immune cells in colorectal cancer to help the body fight the disease, especially for patients who don’t have a strong response to current immunotherapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPanorama Research, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Sunnyvale, United States)
Project startSeptember 25, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$387,240
NIH project number1R43CA310345-01
Project IDNIH-11314230 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with colorectal cancer, particularly those not benefiting from current immunotherapies, could be considered in future trials.

Less likely to help

The therapy may not benefit patients whose tumors do not rely on macrophage-driven immune suppression or who cannot tolerate immune-modulating treatments.

What this research studies

This project targets the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer by changing the behavior of macrophages that can suppress or support immune responses. By repolarizing these cells, the therapy hopes to enable a more effective attack on cancer cells when used alongside existing immunotherapies. The work will involve preclinical studies in animal models to understand how the macrophages respond and how the treatment could fit with current treatment strategies. If successful, it could lead to new options for patients with advanced or non- MSI colorectal cancer who currently have limited durable responses.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience better responses to combination immunotherapies and improved long-term control of colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests macrophage repolarization can alter tumor immunity, but applying it to colorectal cancer is an emerging and promising area.

Where this research is happening

  • Panorama Research, INC.
    Sunnyvale, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Larrick, James W — Panorama Research, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Larrick, James W

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.

    This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.

    NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

  • Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

    A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

  • Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults

    A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11535283

  • Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs

    A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11531863

  • Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation

    A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11505210

  • Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care

    A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11495363

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.