The National Cancer Institute (NCI), through the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395), awarded a $661,072 Project Grant to Northwestern University to develop a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor targeting the oncogene USP22. The aim is to create a novel therapy with both immunotherapeutic and oncotherapeutic effects to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Northwestern is collaborating with the startup company Exomira and the chemistry firm WuXi AppTec to conduct IND-enabling studies for this potential new cancer treatment. The 5-year project, running from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029, seeks to leverage recent breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy to improve treatment outcomes for solid tumors while also targeting cancer stem cells, a key driver of tumor initiation, metastasis, and recurrence.
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