Targeting mosquito larvae with new compounds to control disease spread
Official title: Disrupting the mosquito larval midgut using novel pH responsive compounds
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10907803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to help reduce mosquito populations by creating special compounds that can target and kill mosquito larvae, which could help prevent diseases like malaria and dengue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $219,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI177824-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living in areas affected by mosquito-borne diseases, particularly those at risk of malaria and dengue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in regions where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative compounds that specifically target the larval midgut of mosquitoes, which are known vectors for diseases like malaria and dengue. By creating pH-responsive compounds, the project aims to induce lethal effects in mosquito larvae, thereby reducing their populations and the transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens. The approach involves synthesizing and testing these compounds on two significant mosquito species, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti, to evaluate their effectiveness in controlling these pests.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective methods for controlling mosquito populations and reducing the spread of diseases they carry.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using targeted larvicides to control mosquito populations, indicating that this approach could be a viable method for disease prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jewett, John C — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Jewett, John C
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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.