NIH-funded research R15 grant

Improving drug discovery by simplifying chemical reactions

Official title: Assessing Ligand vs Ligandless Catalysis to Simplify Chemical Transformations and Drug Discovery

Funded at Florida Gulf Coast University · NIH-10201920 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is all about finding new ways to make medicines that can fight stubborn bacteria that don't respond to regular drugs, and it's also a great opportunity for college students to learn and practice real science while using safe and eco-friendly materials.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFlorida Gulf Coast University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Myers, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2021
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2021
Award (this year)$396,626
NIH project number1R15GM141726-01
Project IDNIH-10201920 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients suffering from infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions that do not involve bacterial infections may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new methods for creating therapeutic molecules that can combat drug-resistant bacteria. By using innovative catalysts made from two different transition metals, the project aims to simplify the chemical processes involved in drug synthesis. The research also provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience in scientific research, enhancing their skills in planning and executing experiments. The goal is to create small molecules from readily available materials while using environmentally friendly reagents like water and air.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more efficient development of new drugs to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using innovative catalytic methods for drug discovery, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • Florida Gulf Coast University
    Fort Myers, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Bugarin, Alejandro — Florida Gulf Coast University
  • Study coordinator: Bugarin, Alejandro

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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.