Preventing Skin Cancer from Sun Exposure with a Modified Medication
Official title: Preventing UV-induced immunosuppression and skin carcinogenesis with R-carvedilol
Funded at Western University of Health Sciences · NIH-11111293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores a new way to protect skin from sun damage and prevent skin cancer using a modified version of a common heart medication applied to the skin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Western University of Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pomona, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $322,538 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269653-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111293 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for individuals at high risk for non-melanoma skin cancer due to sun overexposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with existing skin cancers or those not at risk for UV-induced skin cancer may not directly benefit from this specific preventive approach.
What this research studies
Skin cancer, especially non-melanoma types, is very common and often caused by too much sun exposure, which can damage DNA, cause inflammation, and weaken the skin's immune system. Researchers are looking at a drug called carvedilol, typically used for heart conditions, because it has shown promise in preventing skin cancer in lab and animal tests. To avoid potential heart-related side effects, this project is developing a skin-targeted delivery system and focusing on a specific part of carvedilol, called R-carvedilol, which does not affect the heart. The goal is to find a safe and effective way to prevent skin cancer without causing unwanted systemic side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new topical medication that safely prevents skin cancer caused by sun exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary lab and animal data indicate that carvedilol, and its R-enantiomer, can effectively prevent UV-induced skin cancer and immunosuppression.
Where this research is happening
-
Western University of Health Sciences
Pomona, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Ying — Western University of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Huang, Ying
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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.