Creating a new topical treatment for persistent HPV infections
Official title: Development of a novel anti-viral treatment for persistent HPV disease
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-10997444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new skin treatment that uses special medications to help people with stubborn HPV infections, which can cause warts or tumors, by applying it directly to the affected areas to reduce side effects and improve healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $224,630 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176571-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with persistent HPV infections or HPV-related lesions who have not responded to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have been vaccinated against HPV and do not have any current infections or lesions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel topical treatment using MEK inhibitors to target persistent HPV infections, which can lead to various benign and malignant tumors. The approach aims to suppress the early gene expression of HPV, which is responsible for disease progression. By applying these inhibitors directly to the affected areas, the research seeks to minimize systemic side effects while effectively treating HPV-related lesions. The study will involve preclinical models to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these new formulations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a targeted and effective treatment option for patients suffering from persistent HPV infections and related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on MEK inhibitors in other contexts, this specific approach targeting HPV with topical formulations is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ozbun, Michelle a — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ozbun, Michelle a
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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.