AB-101: a first-in-class botanical gel to fight skin infections in adults with atopic dermatitis
Official title: AB-101: A Multi-Target Botanical Hydrogel for Combating Antimicrobial Resistance in Atopic Dermatitis
Funded at Alphyn Biologics, INC. · NIH-11409719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new topical gel from a plant source aims to clear skin bacteria, reduce itching and inflammation, and help repair the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Alphyn Biologics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Annapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 14, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,100,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AT013899-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (18+) with atopic dermatitis and infection by Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA/MSSA) who are eligible for the Phase 2b trial.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without active infection or those outside the Phase 2b eligibility criteria may not receive direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a non-steroidal botanical hydrogel called Multi-Target Therapeutic in adults with atopic dermatitis and bacterial skin infections. It uses a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled Phase 2b design to measure future antibiotic-sparing benefits and itching improvement, along with skin barrier restoration. The study combines rapid pathogen clearance, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair, with careful monitoring of safety and adherence. Data will help determine if this gel can reduce reliance on antibiotics and improve disease control in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the gel could provide a non-antibiotic treatment option that lowers infection risk and improves symptoms for people with atopic dermatitis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data suggest potential for plant-based topicals to reduce infection and inflammation, but this exact multi-target approach is being tested in this disease setting.
Where this research is happening
-
Alphyn Biologics, INC.
Annapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pekoe, Gary — Alphyn Biologics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Pekoe, Gary
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Stopping Atopic Dermatitis and Allergy: Preventing Food Allergy by Protecting the Skin
A large study in infants at high risk for allergies tests whether using a skin barrier cream together with early, proactive skin care can prevent peanut allergy and other food allergies.
-
SEAL Study: Preventing peanut allergy by protecting baby skin
This trial tests whether using a skin-emollient and proactive skin steroids early in life can prevent peanut allergy in high-risk infants.
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SEAL Study: Prevent allergy by protecting the baby’s skin
A very young group of high-risk babies will try a early skin-care plan to reduce eczema and prevent peanut allergy.
-
Understanding how skin fungi affect atopic dermatitis in adults
A study will look at how the skin's fungal community influences atopic dermatitis in adults and whether this understanding could lead to new treatments.
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Preventing eczema-related allergies by strengthening infants' skin barrier
This project will see if using a trilipid skin cream plus proactive mild topical steroids in infants with early dry skin or eczema lowers their chances of developing food allergies.
-
Personalized predictions for how atopic dermatitis may progress in kids and teens
A patient-friendly plan to forecast how early-onset eczema might evolve in children and young people using simple health clues and data from diverse settings.
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.