Advanced dual-targeted drug candidate to treat drug-resistant gonorrhea
Official title: Advanced development of a potent dual-targeting TriBE class lead candidate to treat highly drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Funded at Hackensack University Medical Center · NIH-11372901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new dual-action medicine is being developed to treat serious gonorrhea infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hackensack University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hackensack, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $545,607 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI189168-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with gonorrhea infections, including those with drug-resistant strains, who may benefit from future clinical development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without drug-resistant gonorrhea or without access to future trials may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on advancing a new small-molecule antibiotic that simultaneously targets two essential bacterial enzymes to fight resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Researchers will optimize the lead compounds and test their ability to kill bacteria in lab studies and in animal models, aiming to enable oral or injectable dosing. The work emphasizes safety, efficacy, and the potential to overcome resistance mechanisms that reduce current treatments’ effectiveness. If successful, this program could pave the way for a novel therapy for patients with resistant gonorrhea.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with resistant gonorrhea could have a new effective treatment option.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that dual-target inhibitors can reduce resistance and clear infections in preclinical models, with promising potency.
Where this research is happening
-
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perlin, David S — Hackensack University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Perlin, David S
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.