Minimizing the Duration and Toxicity of Treatments for Infections Caused by the Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

SLU ID 16-001 | Inhibition of Cryptococcus Neoformans by Antagonists of the Nucleotide Transferase Superfamily

Background

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen of immunocompromised people that causes up to 1 million infections each year among HIV-positive patients globally, resulting in up to 600,000 deaths annually. Cryptococcal infections are also a major problem among solid organ transplant patients, where up to 3 percent develop an invasive fungal infection within the first year with an overall mortality rate of 25 to 40 percent. Transplant patients remain susceptible to C. neoformans infections for 5 years due to its presence in the environment. Cryptococcal infections can be treated with antifungals, with the most effective treatment a combination of amphotericin B and flucytosine. However, the treatment course is long, has significant toxicity and the mortality rate remains 15 to 30 percent even with the most optimal treatment regimen.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have demonstrated that alpha nucleotidyl transferase (HT) enzymes have high potential as anti-Cryptococcus neoformans agents.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Minimizing the toxicity of treatments

• Minimizing the time required to administer treatments

• Increasing the efficacy of treatments

Applications

The potential applications of this technology include:

• Treating Cryptococcus neoformans infections

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.