Repurpose phenformin for the treatment of NF1-mutant mpnst

The Massachusetts General Hospital will repurpose the drug phenformin to develop treatments for NF1-mutant malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) under a $161,150 Project Grant from the Department of the Army Medical Command. The grant is part of the Military Medical Research and Development program administered by the agency under Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 12.420. This program supports biomedical research that transforms military and public health, including investigating medical solutions for battlefield injuries. Over the one-year period from June 15, 2022 to June 14, 2023, Massachusetts General Hospital researchers will conduct applied research to explore the potential of repurposing the existing diabetes drug phenformin for MPNST, a rare but aggressive type of soft tissue cancer. Findings from this research could yield new therapeutic options for MPNST patients.