Federal Grant Award Summary

Purdue University received a $229,127 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2028. The grant supports the development of novel antifungal agents targeting the CDC14 protein phosphatase, a validated drug target required for virulence across multiple fungal species, including Candida albicans, the most common human fungal pathogen. The research addresses a critical public health need, as invasive fungal diseases currently contribute to approximately 3.8 million deaths annually worldwide, with limited treatment options and increasing pathogen resistance to existing antifungal drugs.

The grant funds research to optimize CDC14 inhibitor compounds for enhanced affinity, selectivity, bioavailability, and drug-like properties through lead optimization, structure-activity relationship analysis, organic synthesis, and in vitro enzyme assays. The project will include preclinical testing using suitable cellular and animal models to evaluate efficacy and advance the most promising compounds toward further development. This research initiative leverages the awardee institution's recent demonstration of CDC14 inhibitor activity in C. albicans cells and virulence reduction in mouse models, building upon established capabilities to deliver a pipeline of lead compounds for potential future antifungal therapeutic development.