New treatments for serious fungal infections
Official title: Novel Broad Spectrum Inhibitors of Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) for Treatment of Infections from High Threat Fungal Pathogens
Funded at Kathera Bioscience INC. · NIH-11309217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new medicines that can help fight serious fungal infections, especially for patients who don’t respond to current treatments, by targeting a specific enzyme that fungi need to survive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kathera Bioscience INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Union, United States) |
| Project start | January 2, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $995,100 |
| NIH project number | 4R44AI181163-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from systemic fungal infections, particularly those who have not responded to existing antifungal therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections that are not systemic or those who are not immunocompromised may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing novel inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme that is crucial for the survival of various fungal pathogens. By targeting DHFR, the project aims to create broad-spectrum antifungal agents that can effectively combat systemic, life-threatening fungal infections, especially in patients who are resistant to current treatments. The approach involves identifying and testing new compounds that selectively inhibit fungal DHFR, potentially leading to improved treatment options. Patients may benefit from these new therapies, which could offer safer and more effective alternatives to existing antifungal drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with more effective and safer treatments for serious fungal infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting DHFR for antifungal treatment, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Kathera Bioscience INC.
Union, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parent, Stephen — Kathera Bioscience INC.
- Study coordinator: Parent, Stephen
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.