New treatments for infections caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei
Official title: Factor H Fc fusions as novel therapeutics for Burkholderia pseudomallei infections
Funded at Planet Biotechnology, INC. · NIH-10904961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new proteins that could help your immune system fight off the bacteria that cause melioidosis, especially if you have diabetes, and if it works, it might lead to better treatments for this serious infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Planet Biotechnology, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hayward, United States) |
| Project start | August 10, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI177227-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of or diagnosed with melioidosis, particularly those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with Burkholderia pseudomallei or do not have risk factors for melioidosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing novel therapeutic proteins to combat Burkholderia pseudomallei, the bacteria responsible for melioidosis, which poses a significant health risk, especially in diabetic patients. The approach involves creating recombinant proteins that enhance the immune response by promoting the deposition of complement proteins, which are crucial for killing these bacteria. The study aims to test these proteins in laboratory settings to evaluate their effectiveness against the bacteria's ability to evade the immune system. If successful, this could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from this severe infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic options for patients infected with Burkholderia pseudomallei, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with melioidosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using Factor H Fc fusions is novel, similar strategies targeting immune evasion by pathogens have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Planet Biotechnology, INC.
Hayward, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wycoff, Keith — Planet Biotechnology, INC.
- Study coordinator: Wycoff, Keith
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.