Creating a new treatment for the viral skin disease Molluscum Contagiosum
Official title: Development of a Peptide-Drug Conjugate for Topically Treating the Viral Skin Disease Molluscum Contagiosum
Funded at Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, INC · NIH-10822148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum, a contagious skin condition that mainly affects kids, by creating a special medicine that targets the virus and aims to make treatment easier and less painful.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Doylestown, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,039,551 |
| NIH project number | 2R42AI162385-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are diagnosed with Molluscum Contagiosum.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other skin conditions or those who are not affected by Molluscum Contagiosum may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a peptide-drug conjugate specifically designed to treat Molluscum Contagiosum, a contagious skin disease caused by a virus. The approach involves identifying a viral protein target and creating a surrogate virus to test potential antiviral compounds. By synthesizing a small molecule that binds to this target, the research aims to provide a more effective and less painful treatment option for patients, particularly children who are most affected by this condition. The goal is to offer a solution that is both safe and effective, addressing the current unmet medical need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a safe and effective topical treatment for Molluscum Contagiosum, reducing the duration and discomfort of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited success with similar approaches due to the challenges in developing treatments for this virus, the innovative methods being employed in this research represent a novel attempt to address the issue.
Where this research is happening
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Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, INC
Doylestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ricciardi, Robert Paul — Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, INC
- Study coordinator: Ricciardi, Robert Paul
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.