Developing drugs to treat infections caused by a deadly amoeba.
Official title: Enolase inhibitors as therapeutic leads for Naegleria fowleri infections
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-10857197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new treatments to help fight a serious brain infection caused by a tiny amoeba, and it's testing some promising medicines in lab animals to see if they can help people who are affected by this rare but dangerous condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $262,476 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171217-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10857197 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Naegleria fowleri infections or those at high risk of exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of infections or conditions unrelated to Naegleria fowleri may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding effective treatments for infections caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which can lead to a severe and often fatal brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The researchers are investigating a specific enzyme in the amoeba called enolase, using inhibitors that have shown promise in laboratory settings. By testing these inhibitors in rodent models, they aim to understand how well they can combat the infection and stimulate an immune response. This approach could lead to new therapeutic options for patients affected by this rare but deadly infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients infected with Naegleria fowleri, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Naegleria fowleri is limited, the approach of targeting specific enzymes with inhibitors has shown success in other infectious disease contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, James Culvin — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Morris, James Culvin
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.