Delivering treatments directly to motor neurons to combat botulism
Targeted Delivery of Therapeutics into Motor Neurons for Post-exposure Treatment of Botulism
This study is working on a new treatment for botulism that aims to deliver a special medicine directly to the nerves affected by the toxin, helping to prevent paralysis and improve recovery after exposure to the illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a targeted treatment for botulism, a severe illness caused by potent bacterial toxins. The approach involves engineering a new bacterial toxin to deliver a neutralizing antibody directly into motor neurons, where the botulinum toxin resides. By refining this delivery system and optimizing the antibody, the researchers aim to create an effective post-exposure therapy that can prevent the paralysis caused by these toxins. The study builds on promising preliminary results in animal models, which showed complete recovery from toxin exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to botulinum toxins or are at high risk of exposure due to bioterrorism threats.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to botulinum toxins or those with pre-existing conditions that prevent participation in experimental treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking treatment for botulism, potentially saving lives and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using engineered toxins for targeted delivery of therapeutics, making this approach promising yet innovative.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Min — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dong, Min
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 below.