Investigating new treatments for pneumonia caused by a fungal pathogen in immunocompromised patients
Official title: Targeting the Sexual Cycle of Pneumocystis
Funded at Cincinnati VA Medical Center Research · NIH-10951528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for better treatment options for people with weakened immune systems who can't take the usual medicine for a type of pneumonia caused by a fungus, and it will test a new combination of medicines to see if it works better for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati VA Medical Center Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2018 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004441-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals who are at risk of Pneumocystis pneumonia and cannot tolerate standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with a strong immune system or those who do not have Pneumocystis pneumonia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungal pathogen that causes pneumonia in patients with weakened immune systems. The study aims to explore new treatment options for patients who cannot tolerate the standard medication, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), due to severe allergic reactions. Researchers will investigate the effectiveness of combining TMP-SMX with echinocandins, a newer class of antifungal agents, using animal models to predict outcomes in humans. The goal is to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient responses to therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown mixed results with echinocandins for treating Pneumocystis pneumonia, indicating that this approach is still being explored and holds potential for new insights.
Where this research is happening
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Cincinnati VA Medical Center Research
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cushion, Melanie T — Cincinnati VA Medical Center Research
- Study coordinator: Cushion, Melanie T
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.