Basic Cancer Research

SRI Biosciences is a leading provider of preclinical development services for oncology treatments. SRI's Center for Cancer Research partners with government agencies and pharmaceutical companies to

Identify molecular targets
Discover new drug candidates
Develop models for evaluating the efficacy of drugs
Elucidate drug mechanisms of action
Optimize promising drug candidates
Develop cost-effective strategies for synthesis

For the National Cancer Institute (NCI)—a client for more than 50 years—SRI provides preclinical cancer research, which includes evaluating the preclinical safety and pharmacokinetics of chemotherapeutics and chemopreventive agents. SRI also provides genetic toxicology testing for NCI's chemoprevention program, synthesizes compounds for NCI's carcinogen repository, and manufactures clinical trial materials.

SRI also operates one of seven National Cancer Institute (NCI) funded Tumor Glycome Laboratories. These laboratories are the principal component of the trans-NIH Alliance of Glycobiologists for Detection of Cancer and Cancer Risk, which is searching for glycan-based biomarkers for breast, ovarian, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancers and melanoma. Learn more about SRI's Tumor Glycome Laboratory.

More than 30 years of research has led to numerous SRI drugs on the market or ready for licensing, including:

Targretin® (bexarotene), a retinoid receptor ligand marketed by Eisai
Tirapazamine, a hypoxic tissue-selective cytotoxin
TAS-108, a selective estrogen receptor modulator licensed to Taiho Pharmaceutical
PDX (pralatrexate), an antimetabolite licensed to Allos Therapeutics
SR16157, a dual estrone sulfatase / ER antagonist for breast cancer treatment

Learn more about SRI's research and services in these areas:

Cancer drug discovery
Medicinal chemistry and custom synthesis
In vitro efficacy evaluation
Comprehensive drug development

Projects

Anti-Angiogenic Molecule Treatment for Multiple Myeloma

SRI has developed a promising new treatment for this cancer of the immune system that affects plasma cells in bone marrow.

Topics: Basic Cancer Research Cancer Drug Discovery Disease Focus Areas Drug Pipeline In Vitro + In Vivo Cancer Biology Services Medicinal Chemistry

Treatment of Nicotine Dependence in a Healthcare Setting

SRI is analyzing the genetics of smoking and related characteristics, using data from a large-scale National Cancer Institute study on smoking cessation.

Topics: Addiction Research Aging Research Basic Cancer Research Disease Focus Areas Human Sleep Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuroscience Twins Research

Products + Solutions

SR16157: A Safer, More Effective Estrogen Inhibitor for Treating Breast Cancer

As an alternative to AIs, SRI has developed an estrogen inhibitor called SR16157. This rationally designed drug achieves more complete estrogen suppression by inhibiting estrogen in two ways.

Topics: Basic Cancer Research Cancer Drug Discovery Drug Discovery Drug Lead Identification + Optimization

researchers in lab coats working at a lab table

SR16388: A Novel Drug That Inhibits Tumor Growth by Targeting ERRalpha

SRI researchers have developed a novel steroidal compound, SR16388, which very selectively binds to and inhibits ERRalpha. This drug also regulates tumor energy metabolism by strongly inhibiting the protein HIF-1alpha, which promotes tumor cell survival in low-oxygen conditions.

Topics: Basic Cancer Research Cancer Drug Discovery Drug Discovery Drug Lead Identification + Optimization Pharmaceutical R+D

two researchers in lab coats working at equipment

TAS-108: A Better Anti-Estrogen Drug for Treating Breast Cancer

As a safer and more effective alternative to currently available drugs, SRI researchers have developed TAS-108, an oral anti-estrogen drug for the treatment of advanced breast cancer.

Topics: Basic Cancer Research Cancer Drug Discovery Drug Discovery Drug Lead Identification + Optimization

Press Releases

Researchers Find Genetic Marker that May Predict Smoking Quantity in African Americans

In a step toward understanding possible genetic differences in smoking behaviors, a team of researchers co-led by SRI International has identified a genetic marker associated with smoking quantity in people of African ancestry.

Topics: Addiction Research Basic Cancer Research Disease Focus Areas

SRI International and PhenoMatriX Collaborate to Develop Platin-Based Chemotherapies

SRI International, an independent nonprofit research and development organization, announced today that it is collaborating with PhenoMatriX (PMX), a biotechnology company, on the development of platin-based chemotherapies.

Topics: Basic Cancer Research Cancer Drug Discovery Drug Discovery Pharmaceutical R+D Preclinical Development Plans + Regulatory Services