What
Sphingolipid metabolism is deregulated in cancer, which facilitates tumor growth and resistance to most common cancer therapies such as chemotherapy. James Norris, Ph.D., and his team of experts have collaborated with the Lipidomic Core in Hollings Cancer Center to create SPG103. This is a ceramide mimetic drug included in a series of drugs that acts to interrupt these typical resistance mechanisms by targeting the mitochondria.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology's Dr. James Norris is founder and president of the Charleston-based biotech company, SphingoGene Inc. For information on the company, visit http://www.sphingogene.com.

The Researcher
Norris, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and an expert in sphingolipid biology and cancer therapy, has been with MUSC for 23 years. He has progressed with his research on sphingolipid metabolism in cancer. Norris is founder, president, and CEO of the Charleston-based biotech company, SphingoGene Inc.

Potential Impact
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of death with low survival rates. SPG103 has the potential to prolong survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients from 6.8 months (with gemcitabine alone) to 11.1 months. According to the National Institutes of Health's 2012 database, SpingoGene's platform is applicable to at least the following solid tumor cancer cases in the United States: prostate, breast, melanoma, pancreatic and oral cavity cancer.

When
Norris' research on sphingolipid metabolism has been ongoing since 2006. His cause has received $700,000 in funding thus far and is supported by donors, grants, a Cobra grant and state funding.

Future Goals
The next step in this research is moving the SphingoGene Inc. drug into clinical trials. Norris and his team will develop a gemcitabine resistance pancreatic tumor model and evaluate its responsiveness to SPG103 inside and outside of the body.