Creating new medicines from natural compounds
Official title: Synthesis of Biologically Active Terpenoids
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11010009 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to create natural compounds called terpenoids that could help fight cancer and infections, with the hope of finding new treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $336,360 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM144489-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010009 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cancer or infections who may benefit from novel therapeutic agents.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by cancer or infectious diseases may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on synthesizing complex natural products, specifically terpenoids, which have shown potential as anti-cancer and anti-infective agents. By developing innovative synthetic methods, the researchers aim to overcome the challenges of limited availability and structural complexity of these compounds. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic options derived from these natural products, as the study explores their biological properties and potential applications in medicine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and effective treatments for cancer and infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized natural products for drug development, indicating a promising potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarlah, David — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Sarlah, David
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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.