Developing new drugs to fight Toxoplasma gondii infections
Enabling Toxoplasma gondii Kinome Directed Drug Discovery
This study is looking for new ways to treat toxoplasmosis, a common infection caused by a parasite, by finding new drug targets that can help develop better medications for people who have chronic infections and struggle with side effects from existing treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Luceome Biotechnologies, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795913 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects a significant portion of the global population and causes toxoplasmosis. The project aims to create and validate specific assays to identify new drug targets within the parasite's kinome, which is crucial for its life cycle and virulence. By utilizing a novel three-hybrid split luciferase system, the researchers will conduct high-throughput screening of potential inhibitors to discover effective treatments. This approach addresses the urgent need for new therapies, especially for patients who suffer from chronic infections and experience severe side effects from current medications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with Toxoplasma gondii, particularly those experiencing chronic symptoms or complications.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with Toxoplasma gondii or those who have acute infections that respond well to existing treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer and more effective treatments for toxoplasmosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeting the kinome for drug discovery is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other infectious diseases, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- Luceome Biotechnologies, LLC — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zutshi, Reena — Luceome Biotechnologies, LLC
- Study coordinator: Zutshi, Reena
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.