Advancing novel treatment for cryptosporidiosis in children

Critical Path Institute (C-Path) Translational Therapeutics Accelerator has awarded a $501,000 grant to Dr. Wesley Van Voorhis, professor (Allergy and Infectious Diseases) to support advancement of a promising new therapeutic candidate for cryptosporidiosis, a devastating diarrheal disease that disproportionately affects young children in low-income and middle-income countries.

Cryptosporidiosis — caused by Cryptosporidium parasites — is a leading cause of prolonged diarrheal illness in children under five years of age. In malnourished children, the disease can be particularly severe, contributing not only to acute illness but also to long-term impacts on growth and cognitive development. 

Globally, cryptosporidiosis is responsible for an estimated 8 million infections and 200,000 deaths each year, resulting in more than 8.2 million disability-adjusted life years lost annually.

Despite its significant global health burden, there are limited safe and effective treatment options available for pediatric patients.

“Too many children around the world suffer from cryptosporidiosis with little hope of effective treatment,” said Van Voorhis. “We are deeply grateful to C-Path's Translational Therapeutics Accelerator for this support, which allows our team to take an important step toward developing a medicine that could truly change outcomes for this vulnerable population.”