Developing targeted treatments for chikungunya and related viruses.
Official title: HSP90 paralog selective small molecules as anti-old-world alpha-viral therapeutic leads.
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10903939 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new medicines that can help people with chikungunya virus by targeting a specific protein that the virus needs to survive, aiming to find safe and effective treatments for those who currently have no options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,975 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176626-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903939 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with chikungunya virus or are at risk of infection from related arboviruses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with chikungunya virus or related arboviruses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding new small molecules that selectively target specific forms of a protein called HSP90, which is crucial for the survival of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and other related viruses. By understanding how these viruses operate and how HSP90 inhibitors can be used without causing toxicity, the research aims to develop effective therapies for infections caused by these viruses. Patients with CHIKV infections currently have no available treatments, making this research particularly relevant for those affected. The approach involves both laboratory studies and potential clinical applications to evaluate the effectiveness of these new therapeutic leads.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for chikungunya virus infections, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting HSP90 inhibitors for viral infections, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amarasinghe, Gaya K. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Amarasinghe, Gaya K.
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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.