A New Oral Medicine for Visceral Leishmaniasis

Orally available NOD2 agonist, HPX-612, for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

['FUNDING_SBIR_1'] · TRAVERSE BIOTECH II INC · NIH-11081016

This project is developing a new oral medicine called HPX-612 to help people with visceral leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_1']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTRAVERSE BIOTECH II INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (New York, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11081016 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Visceral leishmaniasis affects millions globally, and current treatments often involve painful injections with severe side effects and limited access in remote areas. This new medicine, HPX-612, is designed to be taken by mouth, making it much easier for patients. It works by boosting the body's natural defenses, specifically targeting a protein called NOD2, which helps immune cells fight off the Leishmania parasite. By activating this natural immune response, HPX-612 aims to clear the infection more effectively and safely.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on developing a new treatment for individuals diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have visceral leishmaniasis would not directly benefit from this specific treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new oral medicine could offer a more accessible, less painful, and potentially more effective way to treat visceral leishmaniasis, especially for those in remote regions.

How similar studies have performed: While HPX-612 is a novel product, previous research has shown that activating the NOD2 protein can help the body fight Leishmania parasites.

Where this research is happening

New York, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.