Developing new treatments for botulinum toxin and COVID-19
Official title: A versatile structure-based therapeutic platform for development of VHH-based antitoxin and antiviral agents
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-10899408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new treatments to help protect against botulinum toxin and COVID-19, aiming to create effective medicines that can quickly respond to these serious infections, so patients can have better options for their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $802,815 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI173059-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899408 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk of botulinum toxin exposure or those infected with SARS-CoV-2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to botulinum toxin or COVID-19 may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a versatile platform for developing next-generation antitoxins and antiviral agents, specifically targeting botulinum neurotoxin and SARS-CoV-2. By integrating structural and mechanistic insights, the researchers aim to design highly effective neutralizing agents that can respond rapidly to emerging threats. The project will involve developing a small pool of antitoxin agents that can protect against various strains of botulinum toxin and enhance treatment options for COVID-19. Patients may benefit from these innovative therapies that promise improved efficacy and practicality in treating serious infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for botulinum toxin poisoning and COVID-19, potentially saving lives and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing similar therapeutic platforms, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shoemaker, Charles Bix — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Shoemaker, Charles Bix
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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.