New treatments for cryptosporidiosis using targeted inhibitors
Official title: Systemic and gastrointestinal targeted CDPK1 inhibitors for cryptosporidiosis
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11130482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new medicines to help treat infections from Cryptosporidium parasites, which can be really tough on young kids and people with weak immune systems, by targeting a specific protein that the parasites need to survive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $812,603 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184396-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include young children and immunocompromised adults who are at high risk for severe cryptosporidiosis infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by cryptosporidiosis or those with healthy immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new medications to treat infections caused by Cryptosporidium parasites, which are particularly harmful to young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. The approach involves creating specific inhibitors that target a protein called CDPK1, which is crucial for the survival of these parasites. By optimizing these inhibitors to effectively reach the gastrointestinal system, where the parasites thrive, the research aims to provide a more effective treatment option than currently available. The study will involve laboratory tests and animal models to evaluate the effectiveness of these new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments for cryptosporidiosis, significantly improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting CDPK1 for treating similar parasitic infections, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cuny, Gregory D — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Cuny, Gregory D
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.