Targeting pancreatic and other cancers with Targefrin to slow metastasis
Official title: Targeting pancreatic cancer metastases with Targefrin
Funded at Armida Labs, INC. · NIH-11413836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new therapy called Targefrin-dimer aims to shut down the EphA2 receptor that helps cancer spread, with tests planned in pancreatic and other solid tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 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 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,088,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA277917-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with pancreatic cancer and potentially other solid tumors expressing EphA2 may be eligible in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without EphA2-expressing tumors or those who cannot tolerate the treatment may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a novel molecule, Targefrin-dimer, designed to degrade the EphA2 receptor that is common on metastatic pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors. It builds on cellular and animal studies showing reduced cell movement and metastasis when EphA2 is targeted. The work will complete manufacturing steps and IND-enabling studies to prepare for first-in-human trials, with earlier phase data suggesting strong activity and favorable safety. If successful, this could lead to a new targeted therapy to limit cancer spread in patients with pancreatic and related cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a new treatment that reduces cancer spread and improves outcomes when combined with standard care.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows that targeting EphA2 can reduce cancer cell migration and metastasis in preclinical models, with promising IND-enabling data for this agent.
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
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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.