uPAR-targeting antibody-drug conjugate for pancreatic cancer
Official title: Development of a uPAR-Targeting Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Funded at Traverse Biotech Ii INC · NIH-11309753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate that targets uPAR on pancreatic cancer cells and surrounding support cells is being developed as a potential new therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Traverse Biotech Ii INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,896 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA309866-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309753 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma expressing uPAR and suitable for participation in early-phase therapeutic studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express uPAR or who are unable to undergo antibody-drug conjugate therapy may be unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
Traverse Biotech is developing TB-UA-1, an antibody-drug conjugate that seeks to attack pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by binding the uPAR receptor found on tumor cells and surrounding stromal cells. The therapy uses validated anti-uPAR antibodies and a proprietary bioconjugation method to deliver a potent payload inside cancer cells. The project focuses on overcoming the dense fibrotic environment and immune exclusion that limit current treatments. If successful, this approach could offer a targeted option with potentially fewer toxic effects due to selective uPAR expression in PDAC tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, TB-UA-1 could offer a new targeted treatment option for pancreatic cancer patients, potentially improving efficacy while limiting harm to normal tissue.
How similar studies have gone: Antibody-drug conjugates targeting tumor-associated antigens have shown promise in other cancers, supporting the potential feasibility of this approach in PDAC.
Where this research is happening
-
Traverse Biotech Ii INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romet-Lemonne, Jean-Loup — Traverse Biotech Ii INC
- Study coordinator: Romet-Lemonne, Jean-Loup
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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.