Novel medicines to treat HPV-related cancers
Official title: Novel Therapeutics to Treat HPV-Associated Cancers
Funded at Kovina Therapeutics INC. · NIH-11312847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new medicine aims to specifically target HPV-driven cancers of the oropharynx, cervix, and anus to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kovina Therapeutics INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,143,891 |
| NIH project number | 1R44CA302154-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11312847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HPV-associated cancers of the oropharynx, cervix, or anus who could be eligible for early-phase testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not driven by HPV-16 E6 or who are not eligible for early-stage trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a drug strategy that targets the HPV-16 E6 protein to stop cancer-causing processes in HPV-related cancers. Researchers used computer screening to find small molecules that could bind to E6 and disrupt its interaction with cellular partners, protecting the tumor suppressor p53. The work will involve laboratory testing and early development steps to advance a potential therapy toward clinical use. If successful, the approach could offer a targeted option for patients with anal, anus, and other HPV-associated cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with HPV-associated cancers could have a targeted treatment with fewer side effects and improved cancer control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches have shown that targeting viral oncoproteins can be effective in preclinical models, but this exact strategy is a developing area with early clinical potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Kovina Therapeutics INC.
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rietz, Anne — Kovina Therapeutics INC.
- Study coordinator: Rietz, Anne
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.