Ceftaroline-meropenem combo to beat MRSA in cystic fibrosis
Official title: Targeting MRSA in Cystic Fibrosis: Ceftaroline-Meropenem Combination Therapy and the Predictive Role of PrsA
Funded at Mainehealth · NIH-11439521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new combination antibiotic approach is being tested to help people with cystic fibrosis who have MRSA infections that resist standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mainehealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $489,848 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202371-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
PwCF with chronic or recurrent MRSA infections who have limited options due to antibiotic resistance.
✕Less likely to help
PwCF without MRSA infection or whose infection is susceptible to standard therapy may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on people with cystic fibrosis who suffer from MRSA infections. It explores using ceftaroline together with meropenem to overcome resistance and suppress MRSA in the airways. The team has observed that MRSA can persist despite current therapies, contributing to slower lung function and earlier health decline. By studying this combination therapy, researchers hope to identify a more effective way to control infections and improve outcomes for PwCF. The study design includes preclinical observations and a plan to translate findings toward future clinical evaluation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a more effective option to control chronic MRSA infections in cystic fibrosis, potentially slowing lung decline and reducing exacerbations.
How similar studies have gone: Early results from related antibiotic combinations suggest potential, but this exact ceftaroline-meropenem pairing for MRSA in CF is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mainehealth
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosato, Adriana E — Mainehealth
- Study coordinator: Rosato, Adriana E
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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.