Bacterial Biofilm Therapy with a Human Antibody to Help Antibiotics Work Better
Official title: Bacterial Pneumonia Therapeutic Antibody Safety Trial
Funded at Trellis Bioscience, INC. · NIH-11532353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A human antibody drug is being studied to disrupt bacterial biofilms and help standard antibiotics clear infections, especially around implants and catheters, in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trellis Bioscience, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Redwood City, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $998,879 |
| NIH project number | 4U44AI183920-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11532353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with or at risk for biofilm-related infections, including prosthetic joint infections or similar implant-associated infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without biofilm-related infections or those not receiving antibiotic therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a human monoclonal antibody called TRL1068 that targets biofilms to make antibiotics more effective against bacteria. The research builds on previous animal work and early clinical data in prosthetic joint infection patients, with plans to expand safety and feasibility in a broader adult population. Researchers will examine how well the antibody reaches infection sites like joints and how it works alongside conventional antibiotics to reduce bacterial burden. The study aims to translate lab and early clinical findings into a therapy that could improve outcomes for people with stubborn, biofilm-associated infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make standard antibiotics work better against difficult infections and lower the need for invasive surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies and early human data suggest this approach can reduce biofilm and enhance antibiotic activity, but broader confirmation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Trellis Bioscience, INC.
Redwood City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kauvar, Lawrence Michael — Trellis Bioscience, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kauvar, Lawrence Michael
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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.