Broad-spectrum DHFR inhibitors for dangerous fungal infections
Official title: Novel Broad Spectrum Inhibitors of Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) for Treatment of Infections from High Threat Fungal Pathogens
Funded at Kathera Bioscience INC. · NIH-11345864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new DHFR-targeting drug approach aims to treat life-threatening fungal infections that are hard to manage with current medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kathera Bioscience INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Union, United States) |
| Project start | January 2, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $995,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI181163-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11345864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with life-threatening fungal infections who are candidates for experimental antifungal therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections not responsive to DHFR-targeted strategies or those unable to participate in early-stage studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project seeks to develop broad-spectrum inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) to treat systemic fungal infections caused by organisms like Aspergillus and Candida. The work focuses on identifying inhibitors that work through a different mechanism than current antifungals to reduce cross-resistance and improve effectiveness. Researchers will test selective DHFR inhibitors in laboratory studies and assess their potential to curb fungal growth while minimizing toxicity. The grant supports a translational path toward safer, more effective therapies for patients facing severe fungal diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have access to new antifungal options with better spectrum and possibly fewer drug interactions and toxicities.
How similar studies have gone: Early laboratory findings show fungal DHFR inhibitors can selectively block growth, suggesting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
Kathera Bioscience INC.
Union, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parent, Stephen — Kathera Bioscience INC.
- Study coordinator: Parent, Stephen
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.