New drug approaches for Balamuthia brain infection
Novel Structure-Based Therapeutic Discovery for Balamuthia mandrillaris
['FUNDING_R21'] · NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11231669
This project is creating and improving small-molecule drugs aimed at treating deadly Balamuthia mandrillaris brain infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11231669 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists are using computer-based models of the amoeba’s proteins to design and prioritize drug-like compounds, then making those compounds in the lab and testing them against the amoeba. The team is building on earlier findings that two PI3K-targeting compounds worked better in the lab than some currently recommended treatments. Medicinal chemists will re-optimize promising molecules and laboratory biologists will measure how well they kill or stop the amoeba. This is preclinical work intended to identify candidates that could move into future clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed or suspected Balamuthia mandrillaris infection (granulomatous amoebic encephalitis) would be the eventual candidates for any drugs developed from this program.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated illnesses or those needing immediate lifesaving care are unlikely to benefit directly from this early preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce safer, more effective medicines specifically targeting Balamuthia infections and offer doctors better treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: The team previously found two PI3K inhibitor compounds with superior lab activity compared with some current CDC-recommended drugs, but translating that to proven clinical treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FERRINS, LORI — NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: FERRINS, LORI
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.