Creating targeted drugs to fight severe Pseudomonas infections
Official title: Development of Targeted Antipseudomonal Bactericidal Prodrugs
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11011255 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new medicines that can safely and effectively fight a tough bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | February 4, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $451,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI174461-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011255 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with bloodstream infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly those with weakened immune systems or undergoing chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new drugs that specifically target and kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria responsible for serious bloodstream infections. The approach involves creating prodrugs that release their active antimicrobial components only when they reach the infection site, minimizing side effects. By using targeted antibody conjugates, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of treatment while reducing toxicity, especially for patients with compromised immune systems. The study will explore the use of synthetic antimicrobial peptides that can overcome existing antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from life-threatening infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted antimicrobial peptides, but this specific approach of creating targeted antibody conjugate prodrugs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alabi, Christopher Akinleye — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Alabi, Christopher Akinleye
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.