CTSI Translational Pilot Studies Program awards grants to SPPS faculty

The CTSI Translational Pilot Studies Program provides seed money to investigators to assist them in developing promising new technologies and therapeutics from the conceptual stage to clinical studies.

“The pilot studies grant awardees for 2021-22 include projects that address significant translational research questions,” says CTSI Pilot Studies Program Director Brahm Segal, MD, Chair, Department of Internal Medicine, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, and Professor of Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “In addition to developing new methods and technologies, these projects will foster cross-disciplinary collaborations and mentoring relationships.”

Principal Investigators: David M. Jacobs, PharmD, PhD, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Christopher J. Daly, PharmD, MBA, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Established Investigator: Ekaterina Noyes, PhD, School of Public Health and Health Professions

While social determinants of health (SDoH) account for up to 90% of health outcomes, systematically identifying and addressing patients’ social needs has not historically been part of medical practice. Community health workers (CHW) are particularly effective at promoting healthy behaviors and improving health outcomes in vulnerable, underserved communities. However, accessibility to a CHW can be a barrier to those in need. This study’s researchers developed an evidence-informed toolkit to assist pharmacies in developing CHW programs and addressing SDoH in their community. This pilot study will test the feasibility of integrating a CHW program into community pharmacy settings to address SDoH for at-risk individuals.

Principal Investigator: Robert M. Straubinger, PhD, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Co-Investigators: Tista Roy Chaudhuri, PhD, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Michael Feigin, PhD, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; Scott Abrams, PhD, Roswell Park; Donald E. Mager, PhD, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) will soon become the second leading cause of cancer death. It is refractory to most therapeutic agents, including checkpoint monoclonal antibodies. Excessive fibrosis limits access of antibodies and immune cells to PDAC tumors, and potent immune checkpoint therapeutics have failed to evoke curative immune responses in PDAC. However, stroma-targeted therapies can reduce fibrosis, improve drug delivery, and alleviate immunosuppression. This study will investigate the targeting of tumor stroma with novel immune priming strategies employing small molecule drugs and FDA-approved agents that can be repurposed expeditiously and translated clinically to reverse immune anergy in PDAC.