Developing new treatments for Cryptosporidium infections
Optimization of Lead BKIs for Cryptosporidiosis Therapy
This study is looking for better treatments for Cryptosporidium infections, which can cause bad diarrhea, especially in young kids and people with weak immune systems, by testing new medicines that target a key protein the parasite needs to survive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11000318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating effective therapies for Cryptosporidium infections, which cause severe diarrhea and can lead to serious health issues, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. The team is working on bumped-kinase inhibitors (BKIs) that specifically target a protein crucial for the parasite's survival. By testing these inhibitors in animal models, they aim to find a safe and effective treatment option that can outperform the currently available medication, which has limited efficacy in vulnerable populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young children under the age of two, particularly those who are malnourished or living in resource-limited settings, as well as immunocompromised individuals.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by Cryptosporidium infections or those who are not within the targeted age group may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment for Cryptosporidium infections, significantly improving health outcomes for affected children and immunocompromised individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing similar therapeutic approaches targeting Cryptosporidium, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Voorhis, Wesley C — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Van Voorhis, Wesley C
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.