Developing a new oral treatment for drug-resistant bacterial infections
Official title: Development of a PO-administered beta-lactam-tarocin combination agent to treat methicillin susceptible and methicillin resistant Staphylococci
Funded at Prokaryotics, INC. · NIH-10873184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new oral medication that combines innovative compounds with traditional antibiotics to help treat stubborn infections caused by certain bacteria, making it easier and safer for patients to get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Prokaryotics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Union, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $974,575 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI136213-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with infections caused by methicillin-susceptible or resistant Staphylococcus species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus epidermidis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new combination medication that can be taken orally to treat infections caused by methicillin-susceptible and resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The approach aims to combine a novel class of compounds called tarocins with traditional beta-lactam antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness against these resistant bacteria. By addressing the limitations of current treatments, which often require intravenous administration or have significant side effects, this research seeks to provide a safer and more accessible option for patients. The study is particularly relevant given the rising incidence of these infections linked to the opioid crisis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new oral treatment option for patients suffering from serious bacterial infections, improving their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing new antibiotic combinations, but this specific approach using tarocins is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Prokaryotics, INC.
Union, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roemer, Terry — Prokaryotics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Roemer, Terry
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.