Better drugs that target Toxoplasma to treat chronic infection
Optimizing CDPK1 inhibitors for chronic toxoplasmosis
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11329072
Developing improved medicines that block a Toxoplasma enzyme (CDPK1) to help people with long-term infection and reduce the chance the parasite comes back.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11329072 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating and refining drugs that target CDPK1, an enzyme Toxoplasma gondii needs to persist in tissue cysts. Researchers will design chemical compounds and optimize them for potency, safety, and the ability to reach cysts in the brain and eye. Compounds will be tested in laboratory assays and animal models to see whether they can reduce or eliminate chronic tissue cysts. If the compounds perform well, the work could progress toward human testing and new treatment options for people living with chronic toxoplasmosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection—especially those who are immunocompromised or who have recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis—are the likely intended beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People without Toxoplasma infection or whose illness is limited to acute infection that already responds to current therapy would not expect direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce medicines that reduce or eliminate long-lived brain and eye cysts, lowering the risk of reactivation and related disease.
How similar studies have performed: Existing drugs control acute infection but do not clear chronic cysts; CDPK1 inhibitors have shown promise in lab and animal studies but are not yet approved for use in people.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SIBLEY, L. DAVID — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SIBLEY, L. DAVID
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 below.