Overcoming osimertinib resistance in EGFR‑mutant lung cancer

Targeting PGC1β/PPARγ axis for overcoming acquired resistant to third generation EGFR-TKIs

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11228796

The team aims to block the PGC1β/PPARγ pathway to prevent or reverse resistance to osimertinib in people with EGFR‑mutant lung cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11228796 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From my point of view as a patient, researchers are studying tumor cells and lab models of EGFR‑mutant non‑small cell lung cancer to understand why some tumors stop responding to third‑generation drugs like osimertinib. They will look at gene activity and protein levels (RNA‑seq and protein assays) and use genetic knockdown and drug inhibitors to lower PGC1β and block PPARγ. The scientists will test whether these interventions restore drug sensitivity in osimertinib‑resistant cell models and likely in preclinical models next. If these lab results are promising, the findings could lead to combination treatments that are tested in people in future clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with EGFR‑mutant non‑small cell lung cancer whose disease has become resistant to third‑generation EGFR inhibitors such as osimertinib.

Not a fit: People without EGFR driver mutations or whose tumors use completely different resistance mechanisms are less likely to benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new combination therapies that restore the effectiveness of osimertinib and help patients stay in remission longer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked PGC1β and PPARγ to cancer growth and drug resistance, but targeting this axis for osimertinib resistance is mostly supported by preclinical evidence and is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Cancer cell lineCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.