Developing targeted antibiotics for Streptococcus pneumoniae
Official title: PNA-STAMPs: Versatile, Potent and Targeted Antibiotics
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-10997914 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new antibiotics to help fight infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which often makes kids sick, by using special peptides that stick to the bacteria and make the medicine work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI180756-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997914 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0 to 11 years who are at risk of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or those who do not have infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new antibiotics specifically designed to target Streptococcus pneumoniae, a significant cause of illness in children. The approach involves using Specifically Targeted Anti-Microbial Peptides (STAMPs), which combine a broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide with a peptide that enhances its effectiveness against this specific bacteria. By utilizing innovative 'molecular velcro' technology, the researchers aim to produce and test a library of these targeted antibiotics, potentially leading to more effective treatments for infections caused by this pathogen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics for treating infections in children caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using targeted antimicrobial peptides is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hiller, Natalia Luisa — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Hiller, Natalia Luisa
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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.