Ionic liquids to improve oral delivery and effectiveness of oxfendazole
Official title: Ionic Liquids to improve oral bioavailability and in vivo efficacy of oxfendazole
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11572346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a new way to give an existing worm‑fighting drug (oxfendazole) by using special liquids to help it work better in the body, potentially helping people with cryptococcal meningitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $779,407 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI177505-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11572346 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with cryptococcal meningitis or high risk of fungal CNS infections who can tolerate oral therapy and participate in pharmacokinetic and safety studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cryptococcal meningitis or related fungal CNS infections may not benefit from this specific drug reformulation approach.
What this research studies
Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious brain infection that primarily affects people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS. The grant seeks to overcome challenges with delivering oxfendazole by exploring polymer-free, solubility-enhancing approaches to boost oral bioavailability and brain exposure, aiming to improve safety and efficacy. The work includes pharmacokinetic studies, preclinical efficacy in relevant models, and translation considerations informed by prior Phase I data. If successful, this could lead to a safer, more effective option for treating CM in vulnerable patient populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with cryptococcal meningitis could have a more effective and safer oral treatment option that improves survival and neurological outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest oxfendazole can reach systemic exposure and reduce fungal burden, supporting potential success with solubility-enhancing strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Date, Abhijit a — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Date, Abhijit a
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.