Accelerate Fungal Pathogenesis Understanding & CRO Service

At Creative Biolabs, we are at the forefront of this vital field, offering comprehensive contract research services designed to propel your antifungal drug discovery and development programs forward. With deep expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to scientific excellence, we empower our partners to unlock novel therapeutic strategies and bring life-saving treatments to patients worldwide. Request a quote

The Growing Threat of Fungal Infections: An Overview

Fungal infections, or mycoses, range from superficial skin conditions to life-threatening invasive diseases. Key pathogenic fungi include Candida species (causing candidiasis, from mucocutaneous to systemic infections), Aspergillus species (leading to aspergillosis, including allergic reactions and invasive forms), and Cryptococcus neoformans (a major cause of meningoencephalitis). Several factors contribute to the increasing incidence and severity of fungal diseases:

  • Immunocompromised Populations
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Climate Change
  • Diagnostic Challenges
Fig.1 Research on Antifungal mechanisms. (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

Our CRO Services: Your Partner in Antifungal Innovation

Target Services
MOA
Preclinical In Vitro & In Vivo
Biofilm Research
Custom Services

Target Identification & Validation

  • Genomic and transcriptomic analysis to identify essential fungal genes and virulence factors.
  • In silico screening and bioinformatics for novel target prediction.
  • Gene knockout and knockdown studies to validate target essentiality and virulence roles.

Mechanism of Action Studies

  • Elucidation of how your compounds inhibit fungal growth or virulence.
  • Resistance mechanism profiling.
  • Drug combination studies to identify synergistic effects.

Preclinical In Vitro & In Vivo Efficacy Models

  • In vitro models: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) determination, time-kill assays, biofilm inhibition assays, host cell interaction models.
  • In vivo models: A range of immunocompromised and immunocompetent animal models (e.g., murine systemic candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis models) to evaluate compound efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. We offer customized animal model development to meet your specific research needs.

Biofilm Research

  • Specialized assays to study fungal biofilm formation and disruption, a critical aspect of chronic and device-related infections.

Custom Microbiology Services

  • Strain collection, preservation, and characterization.
  • Microbial identification and typing services.

Get a quote today

Understanding the Mechanisms of Fungal Pathogenesis

Effective antifungal drug discovery hinges on a profound understanding of how fungi cause disease. Fungal virulence factors enable pathogens to survive and thrive within the host environment. These include:

  • Adhesion: Fungi employ specialized molecules to adhere to host tissues, forming biofilms that further enhance their resistance to host defenses and antifungal agents.
  • Dimorphism/Morphological Transitions: Many pathogenic fungi exhibit dimorphism, switching between yeast and hyphal forms in response to environmental cues like temperature and pH. This transition is often critical for tissue invasion and dissemination.
  • Thermotolerance: Systemic fungal pathogens must be able to grow at human body temperature to establish an infection.
  • Immune Evasion: Fungi have evolved sophisticated strategies to evade the host immune system, such as masking pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), producing immunosuppressive molecules, and modulating host immune responses.
  • Enzyme Secretion: Secretion of enzymes like proteases and phospholipases aids in tissue invasion and nutrient acquisition.

Latest Research Progress and Significance

Recent advancements are shedding new light on fungal pathogenesis and opening doors for novel therapeutic interventions:

Genomics and Proteomics

High-throughput sequencing and proteomic analyses are identifying essential genes and proteins in fungal pathogens that are crucial for their survival and virulence, particularly those with no human analogs, representing promising drug targets.

Target Identification & Validation

Researchers are actively identifying novel molecular targets beyond the traditional ergosterol biosynthesis and cell wall synthesis pathways. The Gwt1 enzyme, involved in the glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthetic pathway, and squalene epoxidase are examples of targets for new drug candidates.

Host-Pathogen Interaction Studies

A deeper understanding of how fungi interact with the host immune system is paving the way for immunotherapeutic approaches, including vaccines and immune modulators, to enhance host defense.

Repurposing Existing Drugs

The repurposing of approved drugs for other indications is being explored as a faster route to finding new antifungal therapies.

Advanced Diagnostics

Development of faster, more sensitive diagnostic tools, including novel PCR assays, microfluidic chip technology, next-generation sequencing, and AI-based models, is crucial for early and accurate diagnosis, which is critical for patient outcomes.

Advantages

  • Specialized Expertise: Our team comprises highly experienced mycologists, microbiologists, and infectious disease specialists with a proven track record in antifungal research.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: We operate BSL laboratories, equipped with advanced instrumentation for high-throughput screening, molecular biology, and in vivo studies, ensuring safety and precision.
  • Comprehensive Approach: From initial discovery to preclinical validation, we offer end-to-end solutions, streamlining your research process and accelerating timelines.
  • Collaborative Partnership: We pride ourselves on a consultative approach, working closely with our clients to design bespoke research programs that align with their specific goals and challenges.
  • Quality and Compliance: Our commitment to rigorous quality control and adherence to regulatory guidelines ensures reliable and reproducible data.

Target Customer Groups

  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies: Seeking to accelerate their antifungal drug discovery and development programs.
  • Academic Researchers and Institutions: Requiring specialized expertise and resources for fungal pathogenesis studies.
  • Startup Companies: Looking for a reliable partner to advance early-stage antifungal candidates.
  • Government and Non-Profit Organizations: Involved in global health initiatives to combat fungal diseases.

The global health community urgently needs new and effective antifungal therapies. By partnering with Creative Biolabs, you gain access to unparalleled scientific expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a dedicated team committed to accelerating your path to discovery. Let us help you translate your innovative ideas into life-saving solutions. Contact us today to discuss your fungal pathogenesis research needs and discover how Creative Biolabs can be your trusted partner in accelerating understanding and developing breakthrough treatments.

FAQs

What fungal pathogens do you work with?

We work with a wide range of clinically relevant fungal pathogens, including but not limited to Candida albicans, Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Coccidioides immitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and many more, including multidrug-resistant strains.

Can you develop custom animal models for specific fungal infections?

Absolutely. Our team excels at developing and optimizing custom in vivo models to precisely meet your research objectives, ensuring the most relevant and predictive results.
Online Inquiry

For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.

Live Biotherapeutic


ISO 9001 Certified - Creative Biolabs Quality Management System.
Contact us

Copyright © 2025 Creative Biolabs. All Rights Reserved.

Inquiry Basket