Oncopig glioma models to test brain cancer therapies before human trials
Official title: Development and Validation of Orthotopic Oncopig Glioma Models for Preclinical Locoregional Therapeutic Evaluation
Funded at Sus Clinicals, INC. · NIH-11313264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project creates immunocompetent pig models of glioblastoma to safely test surgery, radiation, and local therapies in a brain-sized system before human use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sus Clinicals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,001 |
| NIH project number | 1R42CA302217-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11313264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with glioblastoma undergoing experimental therapies whose tumors could be modeled in preclinical pig studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors or conditions are not represented by the pig models or whose therapies are not compatible with locoregional delivery may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetically engineered Oncopig® glioblastoma models, created with human patient-derived tumor cells, to study how treatments perform in a brain with realistic size and immune context. The work examines safety, immune interactions, drug movement, and effectiveness of locoregional therapies and devices in a setting that closely mimics human brain cancer. By comparing allo- and xenograft tumors in pigs, the study aims to bridge the gap between lab work and human clinical trials. The project emphasizes translational value by allowing clinically relevant delivery methods and imaging in a large animal model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could accelerate the development of safe and effective brain cancer therapies for patients by providing more predictive preclinical data.
How similar studies have gone: Similar large-animal models have shown promise in improving translational relevance for brain cancer therapies in preclinical stages.
Where this research is happening
-
Sus Clinicals, INC.
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schachtschneider, Kyle — Sus Clinicals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schachtschneider, Kyle
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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.