Developing new antibiotics that target bacterial membranes to fight infections.
Official title: New Antimicrobials that Act Via Membrane Remodeling for Critical Gram-Negative Pathogens
Funded at Xiretsa INC. · NIH-11007292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new antibiotics that can specifically fight tough bacteria that don't respond to regular treatments, aiming to help people with serious infections like those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, while making sure these new medicines are safe for your body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Xiretsa INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $299,995 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI186753-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from severe bacterial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those who do not have severe infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating novel antibiotics that specifically target the membranes of bacteria, particularly those that are resistant to current treatments. By utilizing a new class of compounds known as Anti-infective Conjugated Electrolytes (ACEs), the project aims to develop effective treatments for serious infections caused by resistant bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. The approach involves understanding how these compounds can selectively kill bacteria while minimizing harm to human cells, which is crucial for their safety and efficacy. The research will involve laboratory testing to assess the effectiveness and safety of these new antibiotics in various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that effectively treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting bacterial membranes is promising, it has not yet been widely tested in clinical settings, making this research a novel endeavor.
Where this research is happening
-
Xiretsa INC.
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moreland, Alex Sajovic — Xiretsa INC.
- Study coordinator: Moreland, Alex Sajovic
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.