Targeted antifungal liposomes delivering drugs to fungal cells
Targeted Pan-Antifungal Liposomes
A new method to deliver antifungal medicines straight to fungal cells to better treat life‑threatening infections in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing tiny drug carriers called liposomes that can home in on fungal cell walls and their protective sugar matrices so antifungal drugs hit the fungus more directly. They will load existing antifungal medicines into these targeted liposomes and test them in laboratory and animal models against major pathogens like Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and Rhizopus. The team aims to boost how effectively drugs kill fungi while reducing toxic side effects on patients. If preclinical results are promising, the work could advance toward human clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe invasive fungal infections—such as invasive candidiasis, pulmonary aspergillosis, cryptococcal meningitis, or mucormycosis—particularly those with weakened immune systems like transplant recipients or people living with HIV.
Not a fit: People with mild or superficial fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus) are unlikely to benefit from this systemic targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make antifungal drugs far more effective and less toxic, potentially lowering deaths, treatment time, and medical costs for severe fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Liposomal antifungals such as AmBisome have improved safety and tolerability, but liposomes engineered to specifically bind fungal cell walls and matrices are a newer approach with limited prior human testing.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meagher, Richard Brian — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Meagher, Richard Brian
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.