NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Exploring a new target for antibiotics against drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Official title: Determining the value of PBP 7/8 as an antimicrobial target for XDR-A. baumannnii

Funded at VA Western New York Healthcare System · NIH-10946713 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a special protein called PBP 7/8 to see if it can help create new antibiotics to fight Acinetobacter baumannii, a tough germ that can cause serious infections in people with weak immune systems.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Western New York Healthcare System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2019
Project endSeptember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX004677-06
Project IDNIH-10946713 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains.

Less likely to help

Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria that are not Acinetobacter baumannii may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the potential of a specific protein, PBP 7/8, as a target for developing new antibiotics against Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium known for causing severe infections, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. The study focuses on understanding how this protein is essential for the survival of the bacteria in various environments, including in the human body. By using advanced laboratory techniques and models, the research aims to identify new antimicrobial agents that can effectively combat infections caused by highly resistant strains of this pathogen.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that effectively treat infections caused by drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar proteins in bacteria, indicating that this approach could be a viable strategy for developing new treatments.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Western New York Healthcare System
    Buffalo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Russo, Thomas a — VA Western New York Healthcare System
  • Study coordinator: Russo, Thomas a

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.
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.