Targeting cancer cells and blood vessels in pancreatic cancer treatment
Official title: ProAgio in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10996727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new protein drug called ProAgio to see if it can help people with pancreatic cancer by targeting certain cells that make tumors grow and resist treatment, with the hope of making existing treatments work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $590,094 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA294647-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who are undergoing treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not have pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new protein drug called ProAgio, which aims to improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer by targeting specific cells that contribute to tumor growth and drug resistance. The approach focuses on cancer-associated fibroblasts and abnormal blood vessels that hinder effective drug delivery. By selectively reducing these problematic cells and normalizing blood vessel function, ProAgio seeks to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments like gemcitabine. The research includes preliminary data showing promising anti-tumor activity and safety in early clinical trials.
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: Other research has shown success with similar approaches targeting tumor microenvironments, but the specific use of ProAgio is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Rayes, Bassel — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: El-Rayes, Bassel
Related research
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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.