Using natural products to develop new treatments for cancer and infections
Official title: Pharmacophore - Directed Retrosynthesis Applied to Bioactive Natural Products Informing Mechanism of Action Studies
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-11011281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how to create simpler versions of natural substances that could help fight cancer, infections, and immune system issues, with the goal of finding new treatments that work better and have fewer side effects for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $446,414 |
| NIH project number | 2R35GM134910-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancer or bacterial infections who may benefit from novel therapeutic agents derived from natural products.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to cancer or bacterial infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the chemistry and biology of natural products that have potential anticancer, antibacterial, and immunosuppressive properties. By employing a method called pharmacophore-directed retrosynthesis, the researchers aim to design simplified versions of these natural products that retain their beneficial effects. This approach allows for the simultaneous study of the biological activity of these compounds while they are being synthesized, potentially leading to faster discoveries of effective treatments. Patients may benefit from new therapies that are derived from these natural products, which could be more effective or have fewer side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for cancer and bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using natural products for drug development, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment options.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romo, Daniel — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Romo, Daniel
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.