Developing Bioluminescent Madurella mycetomatis for Breakthrough Drug Discovery in a Novel Skin Model of Eumycetoma
Grantee: Wendy Laureijssen-van de Sande, Associate professor, ErasmusMC, Netherlands
Amount: DKK 3,999,996
Grant category: Research Grants in open competition
Year: 2025
Geography: Netherlands
Mycetoma is one of the world’s most neglected diseases – a slow growing skin infection that causes severe pain and deformities. It affects people in poor, rural areas across more than 20 countries, spanning five continents. The fungal form, eumycetoma, can lead to lifelong disability, and, in many cases, amputation. It is often accompanied by social stigma and mental health challenges, further isolating patients. Current treatments are toxic, unaffordable, and must be taken for up to a year – often with poor results. One major reason better treatments haven’t been developed is that there is no reliable way to test new drugs before trying them on humans. Wendy Laureijssen-van de Sande’s project will develop the first mouse model that closely mimics the human form of the disease. This will enable researchers to test new antifungal compounds more safely and effectively, laying the path for better, faster and more affordable treatments for patients who urgently need them.