There are currently two funded CST*R pilot projects:

1. Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor Selective Agonists to Improve Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer

 The goal of this project is to develop preclinical/clinical candidate of novel chemotherapeutics from CB2 receptor selective agonists for treatment of pancreatic cancer. This research focuses on a novel class of anticancer agents to generate sufficient data to support application of extramural funding to carry drug development towards identification of a clinical candidate and filing of IND application.

 2.  Manipulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System as Therapy for Viral Pneumonias

This research employs the MHV-1 mouse model of SARS and the PR8 mouse adapted influenza virus model of severe influenza virus pneumonia to investigate the repurposing of several drugs in widespread use to control hypertension and other cardiovascular disease by blockage of the renin angiotensin system {RAS} to treat viral pnuemonias. This study, if successful in demonstrating that blockade of the RAS ameliorates morbidity, pulmonary pathology, or mortality in either of these mouse models, will serve as the basis of additional grant proposals.