Understanding how macrocyclic peptides can cross cell membranes
Official title: Advancing the basic science of membrane permeability in macrocyclic peptides
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11001463 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special types of peptides that could help create new medicines for tough diseases by figuring out how they can get inside cells better, which might lead to treatments for conditions that currently have no good options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $334,354 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148282-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001463 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions that involve undruggable targets, such as certain cancers or chronic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that are already well-addressed by existing therapies may not receive significant benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates macrocyclic peptides (MCPs), which are promising candidates for targeting difficult-to-treat diseases due to their ability to penetrate cell membranes. The project focuses on understanding the factors that influence the permeability of these peptides, including their molecular structure and interactions with cell membranes. By exploring how different configurations and chemical properties affect their ability to enter cells, the research aims to identify new drug candidates that can effectively target previously 'undruggable' proteins. Patients may benefit from the development of novel therapies derived from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new medications that effectively target hard-to-treat diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using macrocyclic peptides for drug development, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lokey, Robert Scott — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Lokey, Robert Scott
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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.