Exploring the chemical potential of archived corals for new medicines
Official title: Natural Product Mining of Archived Corals
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11139749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at old coral samples in museums to find natural chemicals that could help create new medicines, especially for patients who might benefit from new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $222,412 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT012954-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with conditions that could be treated by novel bioactive compounds, such as cancers or cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the potential therapeutic applications of marine natural products may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the chemical compounds found in archived coral specimens stored in natural history museums. By utilizing advanced analytical techniques, the project aims to identify and characterize bioactive natural products that could lead to new medical treatments. The study focuses on underrepresented marine organisms, particularly octocorals, which have not been extensively analyzed for their chemical properties. Patients may benefit from potential new therapies derived from these natural products if successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the discovery of new medications derived from marine natural products that may treat various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in discovering new medications from marine organisms, indicating that this approach could yield significant results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baker, Bill J — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Baker, Bill J
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.