Finding new treatments for bacterial vaginosis using specific enzymes
Official title: Metagenomic discovery and optimization of novel endolysins targeting Gardnerella vaginalis to treat bacterial vaginosis
Funded at Topaz Biosciences, INC. · NIH-11005378 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV) by using special enzymes that can kill the bad bacteria without harming the good ones, so women can get better without the side effects of traditional antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Topaz Biosciences, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Emeryville, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI186717-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005378 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who are experiencing symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bacterial vaginosis or those who are not of reproductive age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common condition affecting women of reproductive age, caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, particularly involving Gardnerella vaginalis. The project aims to develop novel treatments using endolysins, which are enzymes that can specifically target and destroy harmful bacteria without affecting beneficial ones. By optimizing these endolysins, the research seeks to provide a more effective and less damaging alternative to traditional antibiotic therapies, which often lead to resistance and recurrence of BV. Patients may benefit from a targeted approach that preserves healthy vaginal flora while effectively treating the infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis with fewer side effects and lower rates of recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using endolysins for targeting specific bacteria, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Topaz Biosciences, INC.
Emeryville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Oliver Wei — Topaz Biosciences, INC.
- Study coordinator: Liu, Oliver Wei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Novel endolysins to target Cutibacterium acnes for acne treatment
A small research grant is developing a highly specific enzyme therapy to kill the acne-causing bacteria without disturbing good skin or gut bacteria.
-
New bacteria-targeting enzymes to fight acne
Developing species-specific enzymes to remove the acne-causing bacterium Cutibacterium acnes for people with acne.
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.