University of Oklahoma receives funding to study combined myeloma treatment

A physician-researcher at the University of Oklahoma received 2.9 million dollars in funding from the National Cancer Institute to study a new combination therapy for ultra-high-risk multiple myeloma, according to reports from the University of Oklahoma and PR Newswire. Ultra-high-risk multiple myeloma is an aggressive form of blood cancer. Patients who have this condition often respond poorly to standard medical treatments, including bone marrow transplants. [1][3]

The study will evaluate whether administering the drug opaganib after CAR T-cell therapy helps immune cells target cancer more effectively. Opaganib is a drug developed by RedHill Biopharma. The research team plans to conduct clinical trials using this combination approach. [1][3]

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells, commonly known as CAR T cells, are engineered receptor proteins that allow T cells to target specific antigens, according to Wikipedia. These artificial receptors combine T-cell activating functions and antigen-binding capabilities into one structure. [4]