Exploring snake venom for new antibacterial treatments
Official title: Viper-active: Snake Venom Microbiome as a Source for Bacterially-derived Molecule Discovery
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10996232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the special bacteria in snake venom to find new ways to fight infections, especially those caused by snake bites, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,348 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI186432-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced snake bites or are at risk of infections related to such injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections not related to snake bites or those who do not have access to the research findings may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique bacteria found in snake venom to discover new antibacterial molecules. By analyzing the venom microbiome, the study aims to identify bioactive compounds that could be used in developing treatments for infections, particularly those that arise from snake bites. The approach involves advanced DNA sequencing and functional metagenomics to understand how these bacteria survive in the venom environment and their potential therapeutic applications. Patients may benefit from new antibacterial agents derived from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antibacterial treatments that improve patient outcomes in managing infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in utilizing natural products from venoms for therapeutic purposes, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lev, Katherine Leah — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lev, Katherine Leah
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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.