A new antibiotic-sparing treatment for sepsis using a lipid nanoparticle and a small molecule
Official title: Development of a phospholipid nanoparticle and small molecule-based combination drug for the treatment of lethal sepsis
Funded at Vivacelle Bio, INC. · NIH-11404673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new combination drug for sepsis aims to improve survival by modulating the body's immune response and supporting antibiotics, delivered via a simple abdominal injection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vivacelle Bio, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Wayne, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $690,878 |
| NIH project number | 1R44GM165137-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with sepsis or septic shock who may benefit from adjunctive therapies alongside antibiotics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sepsis or those who cannot receive abdominal injections or interact with the specific drug components may not benefit.
What this research studies
This NIH-funded project develops VBI-O, a combination of a phospholipid nanoparticle and ethyl-3-hydroxybutyrate, to treat septic shock by altering macrophage function and inflammatory signals. The work focuses on optimizing the formulation, understanding how it works, and testing safety and effectiveness in animal models before progressing toward human use. If successful, this approach could provide a non-antibiotic-dependent option for patients with sepsis who are at high risk of organ failure. The team will also examine how best to administer the therapy in conjunction with standard antibiotics. Results could inform future clinical development and trials in people with sepsis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with sepsis could experience better survival and reduced organ damage through a new treatment that works alongside antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous sepsis therapies have struggled in clinical trials, but combining a lipid-based carrier with a small molecule is a novel approach with encouraging preclinical signals.
Where this research is happening
-
Vivacelle Bio, INC.
Fort Wayne, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simpkins, Cuthbert Ormond — Vivacelle Bio, INC.
- Study coordinator: Simpkins, Cuthbert Ormond
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.