# Targeting pancreatic cancer metastases with Targefrin

> **NIH NIH R43** · ARMIDA LABS, INC. · 2023 · $400,000

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
We intend to devise a novel therapeutic strategy based on a specific cancer cell receptor named EphA2, which
is abundant on the surface of metastatic pancreatic cancers. Over the past several years our studies focused on
testing the anti-cancer potential of agents targeting the receptor in suppressing cell migration and invasion in
cellular studies, as well as in inhibiting tumor metastases using in vivo models. Very recently we have derived
the most effective agonistic agent reported to date that potently targets the EphA2 receptor and causes its
degradation. In preliminary studies, the agent is remarkably effective in inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell
migration. The agent also causes the internalization of the receptor; hence we intend to probe whether we can
use this agent also to deliver chemotherapy selectively to pancreatic tumors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10763331
- **Project number:** 1R43CA277917-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** ARMIDA LABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Carlo Baggio
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $400,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-09-14 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10763331

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10763331, Targeting pancreatic cancer metastases with Targefrin (1R43CA277917-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10763331. Licensed CC0.

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