Exploring new ways enzymes can create important bioactive molecules
Official title: Unlocking New Chemistries in Extant Enzymes for Synthesizing Bioactive Molecules
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-10916445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making special proteins called enzymes better at helping create new medicines, which could lead to safer and more effective drugs for people who need them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $118,632 |
| NIH project number | 5K99GM152783-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from novel drug therapies derived from these new bioactive molecules.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking new treatment options or those with conditions that do not respond to enzyme-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the capabilities of enzymes to perform chemical reactions that they normally cannot do. By engineering specific enzymes, the project aims to synthesize new medicinal compounds that could lead to the development of innovative drugs. The approach involves using advanced techniques to modify enzymes, allowing them to catalyze reactions that produce valuable chemical structures. This could significantly improve the efficiency and safety of drug synthesis compared to traditional chemical methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the creation of new medicines and improved therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered enzymes for drug synthesis, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alfonzo, Edwin — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Alfonzo, Edwin
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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.