Small-molecule medicines to treat arsenic-caused skin inflammation and blisters
Development of small molecule inhibitors as anti-inflammatory agents and antidotes for arsenicals
This project aims to develop new small-molecule medicines that reduce painful skin inflammation and blisters caused by exposure to arsenic-containing chemicals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11444742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing and making small molecules that block proteins (BRD4, RIPK3, and IL‑6) that drive the inflammation after arsenical exposure. They will screen these compounds in laboratory cells for target activity and safety, then measure drug-like properties such as solubility, stability, and permeability. Promising candidates will be tested in animal models of arsenical skin injury to check effectiveness and how the body handles the drug. The goal is to optimize leads into a preclinical candidate that could move toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have suffered or are at risk of cutaneous injury from arsenic-containing chemical agents (for example industrial or chemical exposure) would be the intended candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients with skin conditions unrelated to arsenical exposure or chronic inflammatory skin diseases not driven by these specific pathways are unlikely to benefit from these treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce safer, more effective antidotes to prevent or reduce painful skin inflammation and blisters after arsenic-containing chemical exposures.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical work identified three lead compounds and one showed activity in mouse models of arsenical skin injury, so this project builds on promising but still preclinical results.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Augelli-Szafran, Corinne Elizabeth — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Augelli-Szafran, Corinne Elizabeth
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 below.