Targeting immune cells to improve cancer treatment
Official title: In vivo efficacy, safety and PK/PD analysis of SYN101, a first in class, immune cell targeted TGFb therapy for cancer patients
Funded at Synthis Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11194516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called SYN101 that helps your immune system fight aggressive cancers like colorectal and melanoma by blocking a harmful substance, aiming to make cancer treatments work better while reducing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Synthis Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York City, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,420,853 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA291368-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with advanced cancers that have shown resistance to current immune checkpoint inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers or those who do not have elevated levels of TGF-β may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new therapy called SYN101, which specifically targets immune cells to block a harmful cytokine known as TGF-β that can hinder cancer treatment. By focusing on T cells, the therapy aims to enhance the immune response against various aggressive cancers, including colorectal and melanoma. The approach seeks to minimize side effects commonly associated with traditional TGF-β therapies, which can be toxic to the heart and may worsen some tumors. Patients participating in this research may receive a treatment designed to improve their chances of responding to existing cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients by enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting TGF-β in cancer therapies, but this specific approach focusing on immune cells is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Synthis Therapeutics, INC.
New York City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas-Karyat, Dori a — Synthis Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Thomas-Karyat, Dori a
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.