Using existing cholesterol‑blocking drugs to treat Acanthamoeba eye infections
Sterol Biosynthesis Inhibitors as Drug Leads for the Treatment of Acanthamoeba Eye Infection
Researchers want to use two already‑approved drugs that block sterol (cholesterol) production to kill the amoeba that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful contact‑lens–related eye infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11095987 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is testing whether two FDA‑approved sterol‑biosynthesis drugs (pitavastatin and isavuconazonium) can kill the amoeba forms that damage the cornea and the hardy cysts that cause recurrences. They are using lab tests on clinical strains of Acanthamoeba and a new cyst‑killing assay to see which drugs or combinations work best. The project includes additional preclinical work such as organism‑level tests that can guide safer eye treatments. If these preclinical results are promising, the work could lead to clinical testing for people with Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with confirmed Acanthamoeba keratitis, particularly contact‑lens wearers or those with recurrent or hard‑to‑treat infections.
Not a fit: People with non‑Acanthamoeba causes of keratitis, those allergic to the drugs studied, or patients who already have irreversible corneal damage may not benefit from these treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer, faster treatments that better kill both active amoebae and resistant cysts and reduce vision loss from Acanthamoeba keratitis.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab work reported that pitavastatin and isavuconazonium kill multiple clinical Acanthamoeba strains in vitro, but clinical effectiveness in patients has not yet been shown.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debnath, Anjan — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Debnath, Anjan
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.