Creating a new antibiotic to fight superbugs causing severe infections
Official title: Development of a mechanistically novel Gram-negative antibiotic targeting MsbA-mediated Lipopolysaccharide Biogenesis
Funded at Prokaryotics, INC. · NIH-10974482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new antibiotic to help fight tough infections caused by superbugs called Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), which can make urinary tract infections hard to treat, especially when other medicines don’t work anymore.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Prokaryotics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Union, United States) |
| Project start | November 4, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $679,683 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI165740-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with urinary tract infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not Enterobacteriaceae or those who do not have urinary tract infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel antibiotic specifically designed to combat Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), a type of superbug that poses a significant threat to public health. The approach involves identifying small molecule inhibitors that target a key protein involved in the bacteria's survival and resistance mechanisms. By using advanced laboratory techniques, the researchers aim to create an effective treatment for both uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections caused by these resistant bacteria. This work is crucial as current treatment options are limited and the threat of pan-resistant infections is growing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting MsbA is innovative, similar research efforts have shown promise in developing new antibiotics against resistant bacteria.
Where this research is happening
-
Prokaryotics, INC.
Union, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roemer, Terry — Prokaryotics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Roemer, Terry
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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.