Research Stories
Locally Developed Cancer Drug Moves to Clinical Trial
| June 20, 2025
A powerful new cancer-fighting drug, developed entirely at The Ohio State University, is now entering its first human clinical trial, offering new hope for patients with advanced cancers who have exhausted other options.
This potential breakthrough, known as HOSU-53 during testing and now JBZ-001, was discovered and advanced from lab to clinic by researchers at the OSUCCC – James. Unlike many academic discoveries that are licensed early, Ohio State carried this one through the entire development process — a rare feat — before partnering with a commercial sponsor for clinical testing.
The oral drug works by blocking a key enzyme that cancer cells rely on to grow. “The goal is to starve the cancer while sparing healthy cells,” says Chad Bennett, PhD, one of the lead scientists behind the drug. The treatment has shown promise in lab models against a wide range of cancers, including non-Hodgkin lymphomas and solid tumors.
This success story began with a small collaboration and grew into a large-scale, multi-year effort supported by teams across Ohio State. It was powered by critical philanthropic funding from partners like Pelotonia and foundations deeply committed to cancer research.
Now, with a phase I trial open at the OSUCCC – James, this drug could make an immediate impact for patients, and it marks a milestone in Ohio State’s mission to bring lifesaving discoveries from the lab to the bedside.
“This study has the potential to immediately help some patients for whom previous therapies have failed. This is the goal of clinical trials in medicine,” says Sebastian Biglione, PhD, PharmD, director of clinical and regulatory strategy for the Drug Development Institute.
the Journey of a new Cancer Drug
From Discovery to Patient Care
DISCOVERY & EARLY DEVELOPMENT (2017–2020)
In 2017, Ohio State scientists began testing molecules devised by students at Hendrix College to see if any of the molecules had clinical potential.
In 2019, Sandip Vibhute, PhD, developed the compound known as HOSU-53 in the OSUCCC – James Drug Development Shared Resource.
Despite COVID-19 delays, by late 2020 the compound was confirmed to have best-in-class potential for blocking a cancer-related enzyme.
TESTING & FDA APPROVAL (2020–2023)
Between 2020 and 2023, the drug was tested on various cancers, and a unique marker was found to track its effect.
Safety tests were completed, and a large application was submitted to the FDA.
The FDA approved the drug for its first human trial – a big achievement for a university team.
GETTING TO PATIENTS (2024–2025)
In 2024, the drug was renamed JBZ-001 and licensed to Jabez Biosciences.
Early 2025 saw the start of the first clinical trial of the new drug at the OSUCCC – James, offering hope to patients with few options.
DEVELOPED ENTIRELY AT OHIO STATE
This is a testament to the investment in team, knowledge, and infrastructure Ohio State has made to ensure we can propel promising discoveries from the lab to the clinic.
JEFF PATRICK, PHARM D
Clinical pharmacist and Senior Director of the Drug Development Institute at the OSUCCC – James
