NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Developing viruses to treat infections caused by mycobacteria.

Official title: SBIR Topic 131: Development of Bacteriophage for Treatment of Mycobacterial Infections

Funded at Vulcan Biologics, INC. · NIH-11203278 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring new treatments using special viruses that can target and kill tough bacteria, especially for people dealing with hard-to-treat infections that antibiotics struggle with, so patients can have better options for their health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVulcan Biologics, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project startSeptember 10, 2024
Project endSeptember 9, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$299,914
NIH project number75N93024C00061-0-9999-1
Project IDNIH-11203278 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mycobacterial infections, particularly those resistant to conventional antibiotic treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than mycobacteria may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating therapeutic products using bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target and kill mycobacteria, including those that are resistant to antibiotics. The project emphasizes preclinical development, particularly for non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, which can be challenging to treat with standard antibiotics. Patients may benefit from innovative treatments that could effectively combat these difficult infections. The approach involves rigorous testing and development to ensure safety and efficacy before moving to clinical trials.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from antibiotic-resistant mycobacterial infections.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Vulcan Biologics, INC.
    Irvine, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Green, Brian — Vulcan Biologics, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Green, Brian

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.
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.