Pilot project exploring new cancer drugs for pancreatic cancer in African American patients
Official title: Pilot Project 6
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11625594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, early-stage project tests new drug-derived compounds to treat pancreatic cancer, focusing on African American patients who are disproportionately affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $172,445 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA233444-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11625594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with pancreatic cancer who may participate in future clinical testing or come from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on African American patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose pancreatic cancer does not respond to the tested compounds or who experience intolerable toxicity may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project will test new compounds derived from an existing drug to see if they can kill pancreatic cancer cells in the lab and in animal models. It will also examine how these compounds work when used with other chemotherapy drugs, with an emphasis on potential benefits for African American patients. The research includes lab experiments on cancer cell lines and animal studies to assess safety and effectiveness before any human trials. The aim is to identify a therapy that could overcome current drug resistance and reduce toxic side effects in pancreatic cancer. If promising, this work could lay the groundwork for future clinical testing in people with pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that are more effective and potentially less toxic for pancreatic cancer patients, especially within the African American community.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies with related compounds have shown cytotoxic effects against pancreatic cancer cells and synergy with other chemotherapies, supporting progression to in vivo testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Assarzadegan, Naziheh — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Assarzadegan, Naziheh
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.