New Treatments for Botulism Poisoning
Targeted Delivery of Therapeutics into Motor Neurons for Post-exposure Treatment of Botulism
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11144558
This work explores a new way to deliver medicine directly into nerve cells to treat botulism, a serious illness caused by bacterial toxins.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11144558 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Botulism is a dangerous disease caused by powerful bacterial toxins that paralyze muscles, and current treatments cannot remove the toxin once it's inside nerve cells. This project aims to create a new treatment that can reach these toxins inside motor neurons, where they cause long-lasting paralysis. Researchers are modifying a recently discovered bacterial toxin to act as a delivery system, carrying a neutralizing antibody directly to the harmful botulinum toxins. Early results in animal models show promise in reversing the effects of botulism, suggesting a potential breakthrough for this severe condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients who have been exposed to botulinum neurotoxins and are experiencing or at risk of muscle paralysis.
Not a fit: Patients without botulism poisoning or those with other forms of paralysis would not directly benefit from this specific treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide the first effective post-exposure treatment for botulism, significantly reducing the long-term paralysis and severity of the disease.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies using similar engineered proteins have shown complete rescue in animal models, indicating a promising, though still early-stage, approach.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DONG, MIN — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: DONG, MIN
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.