Targeted small molecule to block cancer cell recovery and boost prostate cancer treatment
Official title: Development of a novel, targeted small molecule inhibitor of the nucleoside salvage pathway through combinatorial murine studies to enable further clinical advancement in prostate tumors
Funded at Trethera Corporation · NIH-11395561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug idea (TRE-515) aims to block cancer cells’ escape route after radiation to improve prostate cancer treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trethera Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sherman Oaks, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,150,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA302066-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with prostate cancer who are undergoing radiation therapy and may benefit from additional targeted therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on the nucleoside salvage pathway or cannot tolerate the combination therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a first-in-class drug, TRE-515, in combination with radiation to prevent cancer cells from using a backup pathway. The goal is to see if this combo can enhance the destruction of prostate tumor cells in preclinical models and generate data to support a future Phase 1b trial in patients. The research builds on prior early human experience with TRE-515 and focuses on understanding how the drug affects the nucleoside salvage pathway and tumor resistance. If successful, findings could pave the way for a new nearby-step treatment option for men with prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce resistance to standard therapies and improve outcomes for prostate cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other cancer therapies have explored combination approaches to overcome resistance, with varying success in early trials; this project is among the first to target dCK-mediated resistance with TRE-515.
Where this research is happening
-
Trethera Corporation
Sherman Oaks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schultz, Kenneth — Trethera Corporation
- Study coordinator: Schultz, Kenneth
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.