NIH-funded research R15 grant

Using computer methods to design drugs that target proteins involved in cancer.

Official title: Computer-Aided Drug Design Targeting Protein Phosphorylation

Funded at University of Missouri-St. Louis · NIH-11123561 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at new ways to create drugs that can better target proteins involved in lung cancer, especially for patients with certain mutations, by using computer simulations to see how these drugs work, which could lead to more effective treatments for you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-St. Louis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2019
Project endMay 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$581,564
NIH project number2R15CA224033-03
Project IDNIH-11123561 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are lung cancer patients with specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Less likely to help

Patients without lung cancer or those whose cancer is not driven by mutations in EGFR may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced computational techniques to design drugs that specifically target protein kinases, which are crucial in cancer treatment. By simulating how these drugs interact with proteins, the researchers aim to identify compounds that can effectively bind to and inhibit cancer-related proteins, particularly in lung cancer patients with specific mutations. The study will utilize molecular simulations and machine learning to enhance the prediction of drug responses, potentially leading to more effective therapies for patients. The research also aims to improve the understanding of how different mutations in proteins affect drug binding and efficacy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments tailored to the genetic profiles of patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully developed protein kinase inhibitors, indicating that this approach has potential for further advancements in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Missouri-St. Louis
    Saint Louis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wong, Chung F. — University of Missouri-St. Louis
  • Study coordinator: Wong, Chung F.

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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.