New treatments for serious fungal infections caused by Cryptococcus
Official title: Therapeutic Agents Targeting Cryptococcal Infections
Funded at Quercus Molecular Design, LLC · NIH-10805476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new treatments to help fight dangerous infections caused by Cryptococcus, especially for people with weakened immune systems, and it aims to find better ways to deliver these treatments to the brain where these infections can cause serious problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Quercus Molecular Design, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 8, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,725 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI172564-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10805476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are immunocompromised, such as those with advanced HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for cryptococcal infections are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing therapeutic agents to combat infections caused by Cryptococcus species, which are particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals. The study aims to address the challenges of existing antifungal treatments that struggle to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, where these infections often lead to severe complications like meningitis. By exploring new antifungal agents, the research seeks to improve treatment efficacy and reduce mortality rates associated with these infections. Patients may be involved in trials assessing the safety and effectiveness of these novel therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for life-threatening cryptococcal infections, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in antifungal treatments, this approach to specifically target the blood-brain barrier with new agents represents a novel and untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Quercus Molecular Design, LLC
Farmington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wright, Dennis L. — Quercus Molecular Design, LLC
- Study coordinator: Wright, Dennis L.
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.