Creating new antibiotics and anticancer drugs from natural products

Modular synthesis of antibiotic and anticancer classes of natural products

NIH-funded research Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11235034

This study is working on making new and better antibiotics and cancer drugs from natural sources that could help people but have been tricky to use, by simplifying their structures to make them more effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionScripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11235034 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new synthetic methods to create antibiotics and anticancer drugs derived from natural products that have shown promise but face challenges in their therapeutic use. By simplifying the chemical structure of these compounds, the researchers aim to enhance their effectiveness and overcome existing limitations. The project involves using advanced techniques like X-ray and cryo-electron microscopy to inform the design of these new compounds. The ultimate goal is to produce potent drug candidates that can be optimized for treating infections and cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include patients with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria or those with specific types of cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have infections or cancers that are targeted by the new drugs being developed may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics and anticancer therapies, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in developing novel antibiotics from natural products, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.