Today’s Solutions: March 15, 2025

Researchers studying potential treatments for pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancers have reported that they may be on track to a promising therapy with the development of a new drug called ProAgio. 

The team from Georgia State University created ProAgio with help from the structure of a human protein. The drug works by targeting the cell surface receptor integrin αVβ₃ which is found on cancer-associated fibroblasts. These fibroblasts generate collagen which tumors use to create the stroma, a protective barrier that helps them grow. ProAgio targets these cancer-associated fibroblasts to prevent tumor growth. 

In mice with pancreatic cancer, the drug was found to be effective in reopening collapsed blood vessels damaged by a dense stroma. In mice with triple-negative breast cancer, the drug helped reduce leaky angiogenic tumor vessels. In both cancers, the drug allowed other treatments to more effectively reach the tumor and improve survival rates. 

After these successful trials, the researchers have submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) Application. If approved, the drug will move forward with human trials in the near future. 

Dense fibrotic stroma is what makes pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancer so difficult to treat. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly with a five-year survival rate of just eight percent. ProAgio has the unique ability to target only detrimental fibroblasts (some are key to healing and play a beneficial role) to offer improved outcomes for patients with minimal side effects. We will continue to follow this research as it heads towards clinical trials.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

New desalination system uses Teflon-like membrane to make seawater potable

Clean drinking water is already in short supply in many places around the world, but the situation is only expected to get worse with ...

Read More

White House and 11 East Coast states partner to bolster offshore wind power

On Thursday, the White House announced that it will partner with 11 East Coast states to bolster offshore wind energy.  This arrangement, called the ...

Read More

Lake Tahoe town opts for environmentally friendly drone show this 4th

While it is a stunning tradition to launch fireworks every 4th of July for America’s Independence Day, we can’t deny it’s a bit of ...

Read More

Revolutionizing humanitarian aid with ingenious cardboard bed design

Humanity is confronted with an unprecedented situation. The number of forcibly displaced people on Earth will have surpassed 100 million by 2022, a shocking ...

Read More