Creating new antibiotics from a natural source
Official title: Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Darobactin Antibiotics
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10905987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of antibiotic called darobactins, which comes from tiny worms, to find better ways to fight tough bacterial infections that don't respond to regular antibiotics, so patients can have more effective treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $180,776 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168952-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10905987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, particularly those who have not responded to existing antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by gram-positive bacteria or those who do not have bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new class of antibiotics called darobactins, which are derived from a natural source found in nematodes. The project aims to understand the enzymatic processes involved in synthesizing these antibiotics and to create semi-synthetic versions that can be produced in larger quantities. By studying how darobactins interact with bacterial proteins, the research seeks to enhance their effectiveness against gram-negative bacterial infections. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that are effective against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that effectively treat infections caused by resistant gram-negative bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing new antibiotics from natural sources, but this specific approach to darobactins is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harran, Patrick G. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Harran, Patrick G.
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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.