Oral inhibitors that block nNOS to help melanoma patients
Official title: Development of small molecule selective inhibitors of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) for melanoma treatment
Funded at Chapman University · NIH-11370357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new oral medicine that blocks an enzyme called nNOS could slow melanoma growth and boost how well immunotherapy works for patients whose disease has spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chapman University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orange, United States) |
| Project start | June 23, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $610,266 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA303584-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with cutaneous melanoma or those at risk of progression who could benefit from future clinical trials of nNOS inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on nNOS signaling or who cannot tolerate investigational drugs may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a novel class of small molecules that inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to curb melanoma progression. Researchers have identified two promising compounds, HH044 and MAC-3-190, and will test them alone and with immune therapies in preclinical models to understand their effects on tumor growth and immune response. The work aims to develop an orally available drug that could be combined with existing treatments to improve outcomes for people with cutaneous melanoma. If successful, the approach could pave the way for new clinical trials and more effective therapy options. The study is led by Chapman University and collaborators with a goal of translating lab findings into potential patient therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new oral treatments that enhance response to immunotherapy and improve survival for melanoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data have shown that nNOS inhibitors can reduce melanoma growth and may enhance immune checkpoint blockade.
Where this research is happening
-
Chapman University
Orange, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Sun — Chapman University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Sun
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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.