Developing new antifungal treatments targeting a specific fungal enzyme
Official title: Targeting fungal ceramide synthases as new antifungals
Funded at Microrid Technologies, INC. · NIH-11003526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new and better antifungal medicines by targeting a specific enzyme that helps harmful fungi survive, which could lead to improved treatments for serious infections like cryptococcosis, candidiasis, and aspergillosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Microrid Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dix Hills, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AI186554-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from invasive fungal infections, particularly those caused by cryptococcosis, candidiasis, or aspergillosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-invasive fungal infections or those not affected by the specific fungi targeted in this research may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research aims to create more effective antifungal medications by targeting a specific enzyme called ceramide synthase 1, which is crucial for the survival of certain harmful fungi. The researchers will screen a library of compounds to find those that can inhibit this enzyme, potentially leading to new treatments for serious fungal infections like cryptococcosis, candidiasis, and aspergillosis. By focusing on a unique aspect of fungal biology, the goal is to develop therapies that are more potent and selective than existing antifungals, which could improve patient outcomes significantly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antifungal drugs that are more effective against life-threatening fungal infections.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting fungal ceramide synthases is a novel approach, previous research has shown promise in developing antifungals by focusing on specific fungal enzymes.
Where this research is happening
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Microrid Technologies, INC.
Dix Hills, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Del Poeta, Maurizio — Microrid Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Del Poeta, Maurizio
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.