University of Houston Recruits MIT Cancer Innovator Akash Gupta to Engineer Advanced Lung Cancer Immunotherapies

Backed by a $1.5M CPRIT grant, Akash Gupta joins the University of Houston to develop nanoparticle platforms for lung cancer immunotherapy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 4:35 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from University of Houston

A Strategic Investment in Oncology Innovation

The University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering has significantly bolstered its research capabilities with the recruitment of Akash Gupta, a scientist recognized for his work on sophisticated delivery systems for cancer treatments. Gupta joins the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering following a tenure at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. His appointment is made possible by a $1.5 million CPRIT award specifically designed to attract first-time, tenure-track faculty members to Texas. This recruitment is part of a larger $15 million statewide initiative aimed at bringing premier cancer scientists to the region to develop next-generation medical solutions.

Targeting the Barriers to Lung Cancer Treatment

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Lung cancer remains the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, largely because many patients do not respond to existing immune checkpoint blockers. The failure of these current therapies is often driven by an immunosuppressive microenvironment within the tumor and the inability of drugs to reach their intended targets effectively. Gupta’s research program will focus on these specific hurdles, seeking to create innovative strategies that can penetrate the tumor’s defenses. By addressing the root causes of treatment resistance, the program aims to improve the survival rates and quality of life for those suffering from the most aggressive forms of the disease.

Reprogramming the Immune System via Nanoparticles