Developing new treatments for botulism using synthetic molecules
Official title: Synthesis and evaluation of peptidomimetics to probe the active site of the botulinum neurotoxin to discover therapeutic leads for the treatment of botulism
Funded at California State University Fullerton · NIH-11074142 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on developing new treatments for botulism, a serious illness caused by a harmful toxin, by testing small molecules to see if they can stop the toxin from causing harm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Fullerton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fullerton, United States) |
| Project start | April 11, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $142,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AI175003-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074142 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with botulism or are at risk of exposure to botulinum neurotoxin.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological disorders unrelated to botulism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new therapeutic molecules to combat botulism, a life-threatening illness caused by the botulinum neurotoxin. The team will synthesize a library of dipeptides, which are small protein-like molecules, and evaluate their effectiveness in inhibiting the neurotoxin's action. Through a series of laboratory tests, including enzyme inhibition assays and pharmacokinetic studies, the researchers aim to identify promising candidates that could lead to effective treatments for botulism. This work is particularly important given the potential use of the neurotoxin as a biological weapon.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective treatments for botulism, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using dipeptides as inhibitors of the botulinum neurotoxin, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salzameda, Nicholas Thomas — California State University Fullerton
- Study coordinator: Salzameda, Nicholas Thomas
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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.