Creating a universal treatment using viruses that target bacteria
Official title: Mining the phage playbook to create a potent, generic phage therapy
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10892290 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for bacterial infections using special viruses called bacteriophages, which could provide a quick and effective solution for everyone, making it easier to fight infections without relying on traditional antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $466,500 |
| NIH project number | 5DP2AI177955-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892290 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from bacterial infections, particularly those that are resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those who do not have bacterial infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of treatment for bacterial infections using bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically attack bacteria. The goal is to create a 'super phage cocktail' that can be used as a one-size-fits-all solution, eliminating the need for customized treatments for each patient. By harnessing the natural defenses of phages against bacteria, this approach aims to overcome the limitations of current antibiotic therapies and combat antibiotic resistance. Patients may benefit from a faster and more effective treatment option for bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a more effective and readily available treatment for bacterial infections, especially those resistant to antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using phage therapy for bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leroux, Michele — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Leroux, Michele
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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.