A New Oral Medicine for Visceral Leishmaniasis
Official title: Orally available NOD2 agonist, HPX-612, for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis
Funded at Traverse Biotech Ii INC · NIH-11081016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is developing a new oral medicine called HPX-612 to help people with visceral leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Traverse Biotech Ii INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $297,717 |
| NIH project number | 5R43AI181294-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is focused on developing a new treatment for individuals diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have visceral leishmaniasis would not directly benefit from this specific treatment.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Traverse Biotech Ii INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romet-Lemonne, Jean-Loup — Traverse Biotech Ii INC
- Study coordinator: Romet-Lemonne, Jean-Loup
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.