Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Development of once-daily ocular nanoformulation of a non-nucleoside antiviral drug for ocular herpes therapy

Award Number: R01AI196563
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/03/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2031

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Development of once-daily ocular nanoformulation of a non-nucleoside antiviral drug for ocular herpes therapy - PROJECT SUMMARY Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is a persistent and globally present infection that leads to visual impairment, often resulting in corneal blindness. Current nucleoside antiherpetic treatments, whether administered orally or topically, prove insufficient in managing ocular HSV-1 infections despite repeated use. In addition, the emergence of nucleoside-resistant HSV strains underscores the necessity for novel non-nucleoside therapeutic interventions. Our investigation highlights BX795, an innovative non-nucleoside molecule, with antiviral capabilities rooted in inhibiting hyper-phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), which constrains viral protein synthesis. Due to the limited, and pH-dependent solubility of BX795, we had to use a considerable amount of DMSO to develop BX795 solution for initial preclinical studies. Our preliminary studies showed that three times daily topical BX795 eyedrops were significantly effective in reducing infection in a mouse model of ocular HSV-1 infection. BX795 shows promise as a non-nucleoside drug for HSV infections, yet strategies enhancing ocular bioavailability with a concomitant reduction in the dosing frequency are sought for sustainable ocular herpes treatment. We hypothesize that transforming BX795 into a hydrophobic salt, followed by conversion of the BX795 hydrophobic salt into a nanosuspension (NS), will result in a once- daily long-acting topical antiherpetic therapy. Aim 1 will focus on the development of various BX795 hydrophobic salts using biocompatible anions, followed by the conversion of these salts into NS. The BX795 hydrophobic salt NS will be characterized for stability, in vitro antiviral activity, and ex vivo permeability. Aim 2 will evaluate the long-term in vivo tolerability and in vivo antiviral efficacy of lead BX795 hydrophobic salt NS. Aim 3 will focus on the ocular pharmacokinetics, safety, and in vivo efficacy of lead BX795 hydrophobic NS in rabbits. The successful project completion will yield a patient-friendly topical BX795 formulation suitable for once-daily application, potentially revolutionizing ocular herpes treatment.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $796,976 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	809 S MARSHFIELD AVE M/C 551	CHICAGO	IL	60612	COOK	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	7/30/2026	NEW	$796,976
														Subtotal = $796,976

Grand Total All Awards = $796,976

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Development of once-daily ocular nanoformulation of a non-nucleoside antiviral drug for ocular herpes therapy

Award Number: R01AI196563

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/03/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2031

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer