Developing a new drug to treat Toxoplasma gondii infections
Bumped-Kinase Inhibitor Drug Development for Toxoplasmosis
This study is working on new medications to help treat Toxoplasma infections, especially for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, by making sure the drugs can safely reach the brain and the fetus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11041073 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating bumped-kinase inhibitors (BKIs) to effectively treat infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women. The study aims to enhance the drug's ability to penetrate the central nervous system and reach the fetus safely. Researchers will utilize advanced computational methods and experimental approaches to optimize the drug's safety and efficacy. The project includes testing the developed drugs in animal models to evaluate their effectiveness against congenital toxoplasmosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals who are at risk of Toxoplasma gondii infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant and do not have compromised immune systems may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment option for Toxoplasma gondii infections, significantly improving outcomes for affected patients, especially pregnant women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing targeted therapies for parasitic infections, but this specific approach using BKIs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Voorhis, Wesley C — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Van Voorhis, Wesley C
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.