NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

Testing a pig model for liver cancer treatments

Official title: Validation of the Genetically Malleable Oncopig Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Model for Targeted Therapeutic Development

Funded at Sus Clinicals, INC. · NIH-10931506 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a special type of pig that has been genetically modified to develop liver cancer like humans do, to help find better treatments for people with liver cancer by seeing how different genetic changes respond to targeted therapies.

More Carcinoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSus Clinicals, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cincinnati, United States)
Project startSeptember 19, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,035,724
NIH project number5R44CA285034-02
Project IDNIH-10931506 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who may benefit from targeted therapies.

Less likely to help

Patients with liver cancer types that do not share genetic similarities with the Oncopig model may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to validate a genetically modified pig model that mimics human liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By using advanced techniques like CRISPR to induce specific genetic mutations, the study will evaluate personalized therapies delivered directly to the tumor site. This approach focuses on understanding how different genetic profiles respond to targeted treatments, which could lead to more effective therapies for patients with HCC. The research is crucial as HCC is a common and aggressive cancer, highlighting the need for innovative treatment options.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with liver cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research using genetically modified animal models has shown promise in developing targeted cancer therapies, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Sus Clinicals, INC.
    Cincinnati, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Schachtschneider, Kyle — Sus Clinicals, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Schachtschneider, Kyle

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Role of metabolic stress in NASH-related liver cancer

    This grant explores how metabolic stress linked to NASH may drive liver cancer and looks for ways to interrupt that process to help patients.

    NIH research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11418957

  • Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Platform for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

    A Johns Hopkins study will test immune-based therapy given before surgery to shrink liver cancer and help prevent recurrence.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11330677

  • How overeating and metabolic stress drive NASH-related liver cancer

    This research looks at how excess nutrition and cell stress change liver metabolism and push NASH (fatty liver disease) toward liver cancer, with the goal of finding points to stop that process.

    NIH research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11189737

  • Using immunotherapy before surgery to improve outcomes in liver cancer

    This study is looking at how giving immunotherapy before surgery can help boost the immune system's ability to fight liver cancer, and it's for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are preparing for surgery.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11093523

  • Investigating how metabolic stress contributes to liver cancer development

    This study is looking at how extra weight and changes in metabolism might affect the growth of liver cancer in people with fatty liver disease, and it aims to find ways to slow down or prevent this cancer from getting worse.

    NIH research Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · La Jolla, United States · NIH-10935863

  • Using advanced imaging to better understand liver cancer

    This study is looking at new ways to spot and treat liver cancer using advanced imaging techniques, which could help doctors understand your cancer better and find the best treatment just for you.

    NIH research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · Houston, United States · NIH-10923885

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.