Lead-optimization of a new antibiotic helper to fight Pseudomonas infections
Official title: Lead optimization of a novel cyclic aryl-indole efflux pump inhibitor (EPI) series in combination with levofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at Taxis Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11308324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new compound is being developed to boost the effectiveness of levofloxacin against drug-resistant Pseudomonas infections in hospitals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Taxis Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Monmouth Junction, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $875,798 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI174351-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults hospitalized with or at risk for hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia due to multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-Pseudomonas infections or infections not driven by efflux-pump resistance may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program focuses on a novel compound that blocks bacterial pumps which eject antibiotics, helping levofloxacin work better against resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia. The team has identified TXA14007, a lead molecule, and will optimize its properties to ensure it reaches the infection site safely and works well with levofloxacin. The study includes tests to confirm the mechanism blocks efflux pumps without harming human cells and to evaluate pharmacokinetic behavior. If successful, this approach could make existing antibiotics more effective against tough, resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with MDR P. aeruginosa pneumonia could receive more effective antibiotic therapy with fewer treatment failures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior efforts with efflux-pump inhibitors have shown mixed results, but this program emphasizes a distinct lead compound with favorable properties and promising activity.
Where this research is happening
-
Taxis Pharmaceuticals, INC.
Monmouth Junction, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parhi, Ajit K — Taxis Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Parhi, Ajit K
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.