Finding new drugs to treat chronic toxoplasmosis infections
Exploiting Diversity-Oriented Chemical Synthesis for Combating Chronic Parasitic Infection
This study is looking for new medicines that can help people with chronic toxoplasmosis by finding ways to safely get rid of the parasite and keep it from coming back, especially for those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10763852 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to discover small molecule inhibitors that can effectively cure chronic toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The approach involves screening a diverse library of compounds to identify those that can selectively target and eliminate the parasite, particularly in its chronic form. The study focuses on developing drugs that not only suppress the infection but also prevent its reactivation in immunocompromised individuals and during pregnancy. By utilizing advanced organic chemistry techniques, the researchers are synthesizing compounds that have shown promising results in laboratory models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii, especially those who are immunocompromised or pregnant.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic toxoplasmosis or are not at risk of reactivation due to a healthy immune system may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that eradicate chronic toxoplasmosis, significantly improving health outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown success in identifying potent inhibitors for Toxoplasma gondii, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sibley, L. David — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sibley, L. David
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.