Developing new drugs to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections

Rational design and synthesis of small molecule inhibitors targeting unique pathogenic mechanisms in Gram- and Gram+ bacteria important in UTI

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11042749

This study is working on new treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, aiming to create medicines that can help patients without relying on traditional antibiotics.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042749 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating small molecule inhibitors that specifically target the mechanisms used by antibiotic-resistant bacteria to cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). By understanding the structures and functions of bacterial adhesins, the team aims to design therapeutics that can effectively combat these pathogens, regardless of their antibiotic resistance. Patients may benefit from these new treatments that could reduce reliance on traditional antibiotics and improve outcomes for UTI sufferers. The research employs advanced computational and synthetic medicinal chemistry techniques to develop these targeted therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Not a fit: Patients with UTIs caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those who do not have recurrent infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively manage antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing targeted therapies against bacterial virulence mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.