Combining proteins from bacteria with anti-parasitic drugs to fight worm infections
Official title: Combining B. thuringiensis crystal proteins with small molecule anthelmintics to combat parasitic nematode resistance
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11048749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better ways to treat parasitic infections in the gut that affect millions of people, especially kids and pregnant women, by mixing special proteins from a bacterium with current medications to make them work better against these stubborn parasites.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $769,201 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182355-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals, especially children and pregnant women, who are infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with gastrointestinal nematodes or those who have already exhausted all treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop new treatments for parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes, which affect around 1.5 billion people globally, particularly impacting children, pregnant women, and working adults. The study focuses on combining crystal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis with existing anti-parasitic medications to enhance their effectiveness and combat drug resistance. By leveraging the synergistic effects of these combinations, the research seeks to create more effective treatments that can better control these infections. The approach is based on previous successes in treating other diseases, suggesting that combining drugs can improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for parasitic worm infections, reducing morbidity and improving health outcomes for affected populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that combining different types of anti-parasitic drugs can be effective, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aroian, Raffi V — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Aroian, Raffi V
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.