A local genetic research group has been awarded a $2.5 million grant to test a new drug to treat pancreatic cancer.

The Translational Genomics Research Institute, or TGen, will test an immunotherapy drug with a Vitamin D receptor in an effort to combat one of the most lethal diseases.

“Pancreas cancer is so difficult in part because these cancer cells sit in a very dense stroma environment they’re hard to get to for conventional treatments. So this is an opportunity to take both the body’s immune system and turn it against the cancer and to try to clear out some space so the drug can really make a difference," said Jeff Trent, president and research director of TGen.

The trial will consist of 24 patients and will begin within the next six months.