Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Cancer Institute awarded a $667,482 Project Grant to the University of California, Davis on June 1, 2026, under the Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research Program (CFDA 93.394) to develop and validate second-generation nanomedicine therapeutics targeting treatment resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The project, extending through May 31, 2031, focuses on the design and preclinical testing of an autophagy inhibitor self-delivered nanodrug (AISN) composed of a bisaminoquinoline (BAQ) derivative that demonstrates superior potency compared to existing aminoquinoline-based autophagy inhibitors such as hydroxychloroquine. The research specifically targets pancreatic cancer stem-like cells and drug-tolerant persister cells that drive treatment resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis by exploiting their dependency on elevated autophagy pathways.

The deliverables include preclinical validation of BAQ13 nanoparticles in various PDAC animal models, with emphasis on demonstrating preferential tumor accumulation and efficacy in models featuring dense fibrotic stromal tissue characteristic of pancreatic cancers. The research outcomes are intended to provide feasibility evidence for clinical translation of this novel nanomedicine platform. As a major research institution with established federal contracting relationships and sophisticated laboratory infrastructure, UC Davis will conduct the research at its Sacramento, California facility.