Developing a new antiviral treatment for arenavirus infections
Official title: IND-Enabling Studies for Arenavirus Preclinical Candidate
Funded at Arisan Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11078274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new oral medication to help treat infections from arenaviruses, which can cause serious illnesses, and it aims to offer a better option than the current treatment, ribavirin, by being more effective and having fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arisan Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carlsbad, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 13, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $915,066 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI160246-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of or have been diagnosed with arenavirus infections, particularly those in regions where these viruses are prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with arenavirus infections who are not in the targeted geographic areas or those who do not meet specific health criteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new oral antiviral medication specifically designed to treat infections caused by arenaviruses, which can lead to severe hemorrhagic fevers. The approach involves conducting preclinical studies to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel entry inhibitor that targets multiple arenaviruses. Patients may benefit from this research as it aims to provide a more effective treatment option compared to the currently used antiviral, ribavirin, which has limited efficacy and significant side effects. The research will involve rigorous testing to ensure the new medication is both potent and safe for potential use in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and safer antiviral treatment for patients infected with arenaviruses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing antiviral treatments for viral infections, but this specific approach targeting arenaviruses is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Arisan Therapeutics, INC.
Carlsbad, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henkel, Gregory William — Arisan Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Henkel, Gregory William
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.