Research - Kwon Research Group

Home / Research

Our Research

The Kwon Research Group investigates polymeric nanotechnology to formulate, target, and enhance properties of anticancer and antifibrotic drugs. Polymeric nanoparticles and polymeric conjugates prolong circulation in blood, enhance potency, and reduce toxicity of potent yet toxic anticancer drugs and biologics. Our aim is to devise safe and effective nanomedicines for cancer and fibrosis that can be translated into humans for clinical trials, hopefully saving lives.

Grants

NIH R01CA257837
NIH R21CA252579
DoD PRMR Program

Core Focus Areas

Polymeric nanoparticles for cancer therapy

The objective of this focus area is to formulate anticancer nanoparticles to lower toxicity and enhance potency of a repertoire of poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs. We focus on a novel prodrug strategy for polymeric nanoparticles, seeking delayed-release and enhanced delivery into solid tumors. See an example of our work in this area here.

NIH R01CA257837
04/01/2021 – 03/31/2025

Water-soluble polymer-peptide biologics for fibronectin targeting in breast cancer

The objective of this focus area is to investigate water-soluble PEGylated peptides for the imaging and treatment of breast cancer, focusing on targeting the extracellular matrix of solid tumors. See an example of our work in this area here.

NIH R21CA252579
06/01/2021 – 05/31/2023

Water-soluble polymer-peptide biologics for fibronectin targeting in pulmonary fibrosis

The objective of this focus area is to investigate water-soluble PEGylated peptides for the imaging and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on disruption of fibronectin fibrillogenesis and collagen deposition. See an example of our work in this area here.

DoD PRMR Program – Submitted
07/01/2022 – 06/30/2026