Inhaled teixobactin-lipopeptide for drug‑resistant lung infections
Development of a broad spectrum teixobactin-lipopeptide hybrid for the treatment of lung infections caused by pan-drug resistant ‘superbugs’
A new inhaled antibiotic designed to treat severe lung infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.
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 ID | NIH-11144340 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a dry powder you would inhale that combines teixobactin with a lipopeptide to kill dangerous 'superbug' bacteria in the lungs. Researchers will optimize the inhaled formulation, test how well it reaches the lungs, and check its ability to kill a range of resistant bacteria in lab and animal studies. The team aims to keep the key advantage of teixobactin—low risk of resistance—while widening its activity to include serious Gram‑negative bugs like Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella. If the lab and animal results are promising, this work could lead to early human trials at medical centers such as the University of Southern California.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with severe or recurring lung infections caused by multidrug‑resistant bacteria, such as ventilator‑associated pneumonia or infections from Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, or Klebsiella.
Not a fit: People with routine, antibiotic‑sensitive lung infections or non‑infectious lung conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific drug approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this inhaled antibiotic could provide a new option to treat or prevent life‑threatening lung infections that no longer respond to current drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Teixobactin itself showed promising activity against Gram‑positive bacteria without easy resistance, but combining it into inhaled hybrids active against Gram‑negative 'superbugs' is largely novel and still at preclinical stages.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Gauri G — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Rao, Gauri G
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 below.