Targefrin treatment to stop pancreatic cancer from spreading
Official title: Targeting pancreatic cancer metastases with Targefrin
Funded at Armida Labs, INC. · NIH-11256224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing Targefrin, a drug that targets the EphA2 protein to help stop pancreatic cancer cells from spreading and move the drug toward testing in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Armida Labs, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | April 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,162,000 |
| NIH project number | 2R44CA277917-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11256224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with pancreatic cancer—particularly those with metastatic disease and tumors that express the EphA2 protein—who meet early-phase clinical trial eligibility criteria would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People whose tumors do not express EphA2, those with cancers outside the intended target, or those who are not eligible for early-phase trials are unlikely to benefit from this program.
What this research studies
If you have pancreatic cancer, the team is working on a drug called Targefrin-dimer that binds and causes breakdown of the EphA2 protein found on many metastatic tumors. Lab and animal studies showed the drug can reduce cancer cell movement and tumor spread, and early SBIR phase I work found promising safety and drug behavior in the body. In this phase II effort they will do manufacturing and the safety/toxicity studies needed to file an IND with regulators. The goal is to enable upcoming phase I/II clinical trials in pancreatic cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Targefrin could reduce or slow tumor metastasis and, when combined with standard treatments, improve outcomes for people with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Related laboratory and animal studies and a completed SBIR phase I showed strong preclinical activity and acceptable safety, but actual benefit in people has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Armida Labs, INC.
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baggio, Carlo — Armida Labs, INC.
- Study coordinator: Baggio, Carlo
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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.