Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Iowa received a $582,699 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. The award funds research to develop broad-spectrum antifungal compounds targeting invasive mold infections, particularly those caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and Zygomycetes (Mucor and Rhizopus species). The research addresses the critical clinical need for new therapeutics, as current antifungal agents demonstrate limited efficacy against molds with intrinsic or acquired drug resistance, resulting in mortality rates of approximately 50% or higher depending on the mold species and patient cohort.

The project deliverables include: (1) screening of 150,000 drug-like molecules using a resazurin-based high-throughput assay against Mucor circinelloides; (2) prioritization of primary hits for broad-spectrum activity and mammalian toxicity assessment; (3) pharmacokinetic studies in murine models to evaluate bioavailability; (4) mechanism-of-action studies on optimized lead compounds using chemical genomics and phenotyping approaches; and (5) in vivo testing of the most promising candidates. The research will culminate in identification of potent antifungal molecules with reduced toxicity suitable for potential clinical development.