Targeted therapy to treat ovarian cancer by promoting cancer cell death
Official title: Novel targeted therapy for treating Ovarian Cancer
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11374535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, targeted therapy called EC359 aims to kill ovarian cancer cells and cancer stem cells, potentially improving outcomes for patients who have recurrent, treatment-resistant disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $619,437 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266970-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with ovarian cancer, especially those with recurrent or therapy-resistant disease, could be eligible for future trials of the therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ovarian cancer who do not respond to this specific mechanism or who cannot tolerate the therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project partners a university and a biotech company to develop EC359, a small-molecule inhibitor that disrupts protein interactions to trigger death of ovarian cancer cells and reduce stem-like cells. The team will produce the drug under GLP-like conditions, study how it works, and identify biomarkers that show whether a tumor is responding. They will test efficacy in preclinical models and gather data to support future clinical testing. The goal is to pave a path toward a therapy that can overcome resistance and lower relapse in ovarian cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with ovarian cancer could have a new treatment that directly induces tumor cell death and targets cancer stem cells, potentially extending remission and survival.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows that targeting apoptosis and cancer stem cells can improve responses in some ovarian cancers, but this first-in-class inhibitor represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vadlamudi, Ratna K — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Vadlamudi, Ratna K
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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.