Targeted fusion blockers to stop measles spread
Design of fusion inhibitors to block measles host-to-host infection
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11091545
A new antiviral is being developed to stop measles spreading from person to person and could protect children and people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11091545 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project is creating and chemically optimizing small peptide drugs that block the measles virus from fusing with and moving between human cells. The team will improve how the drugs find measles-infected cells, insert into infected cell membranes, and act over time in living systems. The work includes lab tests and animal experiments to show the inhibitors can prevent transmission between hosts. If these steps succeed, the approach could move toward testing in people who are exposed or at high risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The main candidates for eventual use would be children and others at risk of measles exposure, especially people with weakened immune systems who cannot receive the live vaccine.
Not a fit: People who are already immune from prior measles infection or full vaccination are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these fusion blockers could become a therapy to prevent measles transmission, reduce outbreaks, and protect people who cannot safely receive the live vaccine.
How similar studies have performed: Related fusion-inhibitor approaches have shown promise in laboratory and animal tests, but they have not yet been proven safe and effective in human trials.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POROTTO, MATTEO — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: POROTTO, MATTEO
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.