Using existing medications to treat severe rickettsial infections
Official title: Pre-clinical studies to repurpose FDA-approved adenosine A2A receptor antagonists for lethal rickettsial infection
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11127262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a medication already approved for other uses can help boost the immune system to fight tough rickettsial infections, and it's aimed at finding better treatment options for people who get very sick from these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $463,698 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184781-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are diagnosed with severe rickettsial infections or are at high risk due to environmental factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild rickettsial infections or those who do not have access to the necessary medical facilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of repurposing FDA-approved adenosine A2A receptor antagonists, specifically istradefylline, to treat lethal rickettsial infections. The study focuses on understanding how these medications can enhance the body's immune response against Rickettsia bacteria, which are difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. By conducting pre-clinical trials in mouse models, researchers aim to determine the optimal timing and combination of treatments to improve survival rates in severe cases. The goal is to develop a new therapeutic approach that could be quickly implemented in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from severe rickettsial infections, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using similar approaches to repurpose existing medications for treating bacterial infections, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gong, Bin — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Gong, Bin
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.