Using a repurposed drug to treat colon cancer

Anticancer Effects of a Repurposed Drug in Colon Cancer

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · NIH-10728673

This study is looking at whether Pimavanserin, a medication made for Parkinson's disease, can help treat colon cancer by stopping cancer cells from growing and helping them die, offering a quicker and safer option for patients battling this condition.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10728673 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential of Pimavanserin, a drug originally developed for Parkinson's disease, to treat colon cancer. The study focuses on how this drug can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells and induce cell death by targeting specific receptors involved in cancer progression. By repurposing an existing medication, the research aims to provide a faster and potentially safer treatment option for patients with colon cancer. The approach leverages known safety profiles and pharmacological properties of Pimavanserin to explore its anticancer effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colon cancer, especially those who have not responded well to traditional chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with colon cancer that has already progressed to advanced stages with extensive metastasis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option for colon cancer patients, particularly those with metastatic disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in repurposing existing drugs for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Disease, Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.