Host-Directed Orynotide for MDR Gram-Negative Infections
Official title: Host Directed Orynotide for MDR Gram Negative Bacterial Infections
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11385419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug candidate called Orynotide MTD12813 is being developed to treat serious drug-resistant infections caused by bacteria like Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriaceae.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 21, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,009,738 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176543-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would have or be at high risk for MDR Gram-negative infections, such as CRE, particularly in healthcare settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MDR Gram-negative infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This grant supports preclinical development of a novel macrocyclic peptide, Orynotide MTD12813, aimed at tackling MDR Gram-negative infections such as CRE. The work builds on theta-defensin biology to create host-directed antimicrobials with potential to work where traditional antibiotics fail. Researchers will use preclinical models to show how Orynotide acts in the body and to optimize its safety and effectiveness before human testing. The project is led by Justin Blaine Schaal at the University of Southern California and plans a path toward eventual clinical evaluation for patients in need of new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new therapeutic option for patients with MDR Gram-negative infections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies with host-directed antimicrobials have shown promise in preclinical models, supporting potential progress with Orynotides.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaal, Justin Blaine — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Schaal, Justin Blaine
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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.