New antifungal treatments targeting specific enzymes in fungi
Official title: Inhibitors of Cu-only Superoxide Dismutases as Novel Antifungals
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11013341 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating new medicines to fight tough fungal infections, especially one called Candida auris, by targeting a special enzyme that helps the fungus survive, which could help patients with serious fungal infections feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $221,799 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180103-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013341 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from severe fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida auris.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections that are not caused by Candida auris or those who do not have severe infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new antifungal agents that specifically inhibit a unique type of enzyme found in fungal pathogens, particularly Candida auris, which has become resistant to existing treatments. By targeting these Cu-only superoxide dismutases, the research aims to disrupt the fungi's ability to survive in the human body. The approach involves innovative drug discovery techniques that do not remove essential metal ions from the enzyme, allowing for the identification of effective inhibitors. Patients with severe fungal infections may benefit from these novel treatments if successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of effective antifungal treatments for infections that currently have limited treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar fungal enzymes, indicating that this approach could be a viable strategy for developing new antifungal therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Seth M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Seth M
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.