Developing viruses to treat infections caused by mycobacteria.
Official title: SBIR Topic 131: Development of Bacteriophage for Treatment of Mycobacterial Infections
Funded at Tolka.ai INC · NIH-11203288 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new treatments using special viruses that can target and kill tough bacteria, especially for people with infections that don’t respond to regular antibiotics, so that patients can have better options when dealing with these challenging infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tolka.ai INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | September 9, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $299,993 |
| NIH project number | 75N93024C00062-0-9999-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11203288 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 standard 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. Patients may benefit from innovative treatments that could effectively combat these challenging infections, especially when traditional antibiotics fail. 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
-
Tolka.ai INC
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wikstrom, Johan — Tolka.ai INC
- Study coordinator: Wikstrom, Johan
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.