Targeting a specific receptor to fight pancreatic cancer spread
Official title: Targeting pancreatic cancer metastases with Targefrin
Funded at Armida Labs, INC. · NIH-11073471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer that targets a specific protein on cancer cells to help stop their spread and deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumors, aiming to improve outcomes for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 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 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 3R43CA277917-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have high levels of the EphA2 receptor.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-metastatic pancreatic cancer or those without the EphA2 receptor may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a novel treatment strategy for metastatic pancreatic cancer by targeting the EphA2 receptor, which is commonly found on these cancer cells. The approach involves using a newly developed agent that not only inhibits the movement and invasion of cancer cells but also helps deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumors. By conducting both cellular studies and in vivo models, the research aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of this agent in reducing cancer spread and improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research targeting similar cancer receptors has shown promising results, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing look at a project that aims to understand how pancreatic cancer changes its cell identity and what that means for treatment.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
A study to develop a blood test that uses tiny RNA signals in exosomes to detect pancreatic cancer early, aiming to help people at risk or with early disease.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
-
Programmable implanted living materials to fight pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing program will explore a safe, implantable living material that delivers sequential immunotherapies directly to pancreatic tumors to help fight cancer.
-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
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.