NIH-funded research R21 grant

Developing new inhibitors to combat antibiotic resistance

Official title: NMR Fragment-based Design of New b-lactamase Inhibitors

Funded at Brown University · NIH-11099930 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on creating new medicines to help fight off tough bacteria that can break down important antibiotics, making it easier for patients with infections to get better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrown University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project startJune 1, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$265,808
NIH project number5R21AI178257-02
Project IDNIH-11099930 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving β-lactamase-producing pathogens.

Less likely to help

Patients with infections caused by bacteria that do not produce β-lactamases may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating new inhibitors that can effectively counteract bacterial enzymes known as β-lactamases, which degrade important antibiotics. Using advanced techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the team aims to understand the structure and dynamics of these enzymes to design better inhibitors. The approach involves fragment-based drug discovery, which is a novel method that allows for the identification of new chemical entities that can enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. By targeting the evolving forms of β-lactamases, this research seeks to improve treatment options for patients with bacterial infections resistant to current antibiotics.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for patients suffering from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using fragment-based drug discovery for antimicrobial drug development, indicating a promising approach for this project.

Where this research is happening

  • Brown University
    Providence, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Naik, Mandar T — Brown University
  • Study coordinator: Naik, Mandar T

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.