Investigating the ear damage caused by modified antibiotics
Official title: Ototoxicity of modified aminoglycosides
Funded at Nubad, LLC · NIH-10861810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain antibiotics can sometimes cause hearing loss and balance problems, and it aims to find safer versions of these medications that still work well against tough infections, so if you're taking these antibiotics, you might be checked on to see how your hearing and balance are doing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nubad, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greer, United States) |
| Project start | July 11, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $999,975 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI172739-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are prescribed aminoglycoside antibiotics for conditions like tuberculosis or severe bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not receiving aminoglycoside antibiotics or those with pre-existing hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the ototoxic effects of aminoglycoside antibiotics, which are commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections. The study aims to explore how these antibiotics can lead to irreversible hearing loss and balance disorders due to damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. By examining the mechanisms of this damage, the research seeks to develop modified versions of these antibiotics that minimize side effects while maintaining their effectiveness against resistant bacteria. Patients receiving these antibiotics may be monitored for auditory and vestibular health as part of the research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer antibiotic treatments that reduce the risk of hearing loss for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that modifying antibiotic structures can reduce side effects, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Nubad, LLC
Greer, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Story, Sandra Paige — Nubad, LLC
- Study coordinator: Story, Sandra Paige
Related research
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Developing safer aminoglycoside antibiotics
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Developing new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant infections
This study is working on new antibiotics to help fight infections that are hard to treat because bacteria have become resistant to current medicines, so patients can have better options for their health.
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.