Peptide-based drug leads aimed at treating botulism
Official title: Synthesis and evaluation of peptidomimetics to probe the active site of the botulinum neurotoxin to discover therapeutic leads for the treatment of botulism
Funded at California State University Fullerton · NIH-11332264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are making peptide molecules that could block the botulinum toxin and help people with botulism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Fullerton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fullerton, United States) |
| Project start | April 11, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $142,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AI175003-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with or acutely exposed to botulinum toxin would be the eventual candidates for treatments developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without botulism or those with paralysis from non-toxin causes are unlikely to benefit from these specific therapies.
What this research studies
If I had botulism, this project would be trying to make small peptide molecules to block the botulinum toxin's active site. The team will create many dipeptide variants and use enzyme tests and structural data to find molecules that stop the toxin. They will also test whether promising molecules can enter cells and resist breakdown, then refine their designs to work better in the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce new medicines that neutralize the toxin and prevent respiratory failure and death from botulism.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory results previously showed dipeptides can inhibit the botulinum enzyme in biochemical assays and crystal structures, but clinical benefit has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salzameda, Nicholas Thomas — California State University Fullerton
- Study coordinator: Salzameda, Nicholas Thomas
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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.