Creating new ways to produce natural medicines efficiently
Official title: Expanding the Metabolic Currencies of Life
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11091540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to make important medicines from natural sources more easily and affordably by using bacteria and yeast, so that people can have better access to the treatments they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $413,459 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153401-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who require medications derived from natural products, particularly those with conditions that could benefit from such treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require natural product-derived medicines or those whose conditions are not addressed by these types of treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing methods to produce natural product-derived medicines in larger quantities and at lower costs. By utilizing synthetic biology, the project aims to transfer the biosynthetic pathways of these medicinal compounds into bacteria and yeast, or bioreactors, allowing for scalable production. The researchers are working on controlling the flow of essential resources like electrons and carbon to enhance the efficiency of these processes. This innovative approach could lead to more reliable access to important medications derived from natural sources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase the availability of essential natural medicines for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in synthetic biology has shown promise in enhancing the production of natural products, indicating that this approach could lead to successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Han — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Li, Han
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.