Creating a new antibiotic to fight superbugs causing severe infections

Development of a mechanistically novel Gram-negative antibiotic targeting MsbA-mediated Lipopolysaccharide Biogenesis

['FUNDING_R01'] · PROKARYOTICS, INC. · NIH-10974482

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorPROKARYOTICS, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (UNION, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10974482 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with urinary tract infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

UNION, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: bacteria infection

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.