Peptide-Drug Conjugate for Topical Molluscum Contagiosum Treatment
Official title: Development of a Peptide-Drug Conjugate for Topically Treating the Viral Skin Disease Molluscum Contagiosum
Funded at Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, INC · NIH-11361086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new topical treatment approach is being developed to help children and others with molluscum contagiosum, a contagious skin infection, using a peptide-drug conjugate.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Doylestown, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $964,562 |
| NIH project number | 5R42AI162385-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children under 11 and others affected by molluscum contagiosum who seek a topical, non-systemic therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with molluscum contagiosum beyond the skin or those seeking non-topical treatments may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing a topical therapy that targets a specific viral protein to stop Molluscum contagiosum from spreading on the skin. The work includes creating a cell-based screening system and a small molecule that can bind the viral target, with the aim of a safe, non-systemic treatment. The project emphasizes a practical, skin-focused solution that could reduce symptoms and lesion duration without the need for painful procedures. If successful, this could lead to a new drug option for patients, including children who are most affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a new, topical treatment that reduces lesions and contagiousness with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has identified viral targets and created cell-based screening systems, suggesting the approach is promising but still early.
Where this research is happening
-
Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, INC
Doylestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ricciardi, Robert Paul — Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, INC
- Study coordinator: Ricciardi, Robert Paul
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.