Developing new antifungal drugs to combat resistant infections

Structure-based design of antifungal inhibitors targeting the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) ethanolamine phosphate transferase, Mcd4

['FUNDING_R21'] · PROKARYOTICS, INC. · NIH-11125253

This study is working on new antifungal medicines that target a specific part of certain harmful fungi, like Aspergillus and Candida, to help fight infections, especially as some fungi are becoming harder to treat.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorPROKARYOTICS, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (UNION, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11125253 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating innovative antifungal agents that target a specific enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), which is crucial for the survival of certain fungal pathogens. The study aims to address the growing problem of antifungal resistance by designing inhibitors that can effectively combat infections caused by fungi like Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida auris. By utilizing structure-based design, the researchers will explore new mechanisms of action that could lead to more effective treatments for invasive fungal infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from invasive fungal infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains of Candida or Aspergillus.

Not a fit: Patients with non-fungal infections or those who do not have a history of antifungal resistance may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antifungal medications that are effective against resistant fungal infections, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been some advancements in antifungal drug development, this approach targeting GPI biosynthesis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

UNION, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.