Finding new drug targets for schistosomiasis
Drug Target Discovery, Validation, and Prioritization for Schistosomiasis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11239136
This project looks for weak spots in the schistosome parasite that new medicines could attack to better treat adults with schistosomiasis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11239136 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are using large-scale genetic tools to turn off genes in adult schistosome worms and see which ones are essential for the parasite's survival. They combine those loss-of-function results with lab biochemical tests and binding assays to prioritize parasite proteins that are good drug targets. Because the team knows little about many worm proteins, this approach helps narrow down thousands of possibilities to a manageable list for future drug screening. The overall goal is to produce validated targets that drug developers can use to create treatments that work when praziquantel is less effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults infected with schistosome parasites, especially those in endemic regions or those with incomplete response to praziquantel, would be the most relevant future candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: People without schistosomiasis or those needing immediate treatment will not get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused discovery project right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medicines that treat schistosomiasis more reliably and reduce the risk of praziquantel resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Large-scale genetic screens and target-based discovery have identified drug targets in other parasites, but this is among the first broad loss-of-function screens in adult schistosomes and translation to new drugs will take additional steps.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COLLINS, JAMES J — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: COLLINS, JAMES 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 below.