Sugahara Lab

Kazuki N. Sugahara, MD, PhD

PI: Kazuki N Sugahara, MD, PhD

Location

P&S Building
630 W. 168th Street, 17-501
New York, NY 10032
 

Current Research Focus

Dr. Sugahara's laboratory develops peptide-based drug delivery systems that improve tumor-specific imaging and treatment. The lab focuses on tumor-penetrating peptides, including iRGD (Certepetide), novel CAR-T platforms for solid tumors, and peptide discovery using in vivo phage display to enhance targeted cancer therapies and immunotherapy.

Selected Recent Publications (2024–Present)

  • Targeting αvβ5 integrin... Cancer Research (2026).
  • Enhancing immunotherapeutic response in colorectal cancer. Cancer Research Communications (2026).
  • Peptide-targeted nanoparticles for tumor therapy. Journal of Controlled Release (2025).
  • A cytotoxic peptide for tumor-specific delivery. PLOS One (2025).
  • Targeting vascular disrupting agent-treated tumor microenvironment. Scientific Reports (2024).

Grants & Funding (2024–Present)

  • NIH/NCI R01 – Contact PI
  • Schaefer Research Scholars Award
  • Research Recovery Grant (PanCAN)
  • VP&S Research Continuity Fund
  • SRG/CTV Innovation Award
  • PCRP Idea Development Award
  • Irving Scholar AwardAwards & Honors (2024–Present)
  • Schaefer Research Scholars Award (2026)
  • SRG/CTV Innovation Award (2025)
  • WARPNINE Visiting Professor (2024)
  • Ruth Leff Siegel Award (2024)

Leadership & Other Important Contributions

  • Advancing peptide-based drug delivery
  • Clinical translation of iRGD (Certepetide)
  • Development of next-generation CAR-T technologies