Creating new antibiotics to fight resistant bacteria
Official title: Developing novel pyrazolidinone antibiotics targeting PBP3 to overcome resistance mechanisms
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10910986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new antibiotics that can help fight tough infections caused by bacteria that don't respond to regular treatments, focusing on a specific part of the bacteria that helps them build their protective walls.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI166189-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving Acinetobacter baumannii.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not resistant to current antibiotics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing novel antibiotics that specifically target penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), which are crucial for bacterial cell wall synthesis. The team is investigating pyrazolidinone compounds that can bypass common resistance mechanisms seen in bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii. By utilizing advanced techniques, including crystallography, they aim to enhance the effectiveness of these antibiotics against resistant strains. The goal is to provide a new treatment option for infections that are currently difficult to manage due to antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antibiotics that effectively treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing new antibiotic classes targeting PBPs, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Den Akker, Focco — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Van Den Akker, Focco
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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.