Creating new drug-like molecules with increased rigidity
Official title: Development and Applications of Reactions to Enable Molecular Rigidification
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11135518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to make stronger molecules that could lead to better antifungal medicines, helping patients who need effective treatments for fungal infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $371,371 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155260-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from fungal infections who may benefit from new antifungal treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those not responding to antifungal treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new chemical reactions that enhance the rigidity of molecules, which is crucial for their effectiveness as drugs. By using innovative methods involving sulfone anions and palladium catalysis, the team aims to create small and medium-sized strained rings that can lead to the synthesis of complex natural products with antifungal properties. The approach also includes stabilizing highly reactive components to improve drug development. Patients may benefit from new antifungal agents that arise from these advancements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective antifungal medications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar chemical approaches to develop effective drug candidates, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkerson-Hill, Sidney Malik — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Wilkerson-Hill, Sidney Malik
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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.