New antibiotic that blocks how Gram-negative bacteria build their outer membrane
Development of a mechanistically novel Gram-negative antibiotic targeting MsbA-mediated Lipopolysaccharide Biogenesis
Testing a new IV and oral antibiotic aimed at treating urinary and other infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria like CRE.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Prokaryotics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Union, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222280 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing small molecules that block MsbA, a protein Gram-negative bacteria use to build their protective outer membrane. Researchers used lab screening to find four distinct chemical series and selected one lead series to optimize as medicines that can be given by IV or taken by mouth for uncomplicated and complicated UTIs caused by Enterobacteriaceae. The work includes chemical optimization, lab testing against resistant bacteria, and safety and efficacy studies in animal models as steps toward human testing. If those steps go well, the team plans to move the best candidates into clinical trials in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with urinary tract or related infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae, especially those with ESBL-producing or carbapenem-resistant strains or infections not responding to standard antibiotics.
Not a fit: People with infections caused by organisms unrelated to Enterobacteriaceae (for example MRSA or fungal infections) are unlikely to benefit from this antibiotic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce a new IV and oral antibiotic active against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections, including CRE, expanding treatment options and reducing severe outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel mechanism—no approved antibiotics target MsbA, and prior work with this target has been limited to laboratory and animal studies rather than proven clinical success.
Where this research is happening
Union, United States
- Prokaryotics, INC. — Union, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roemer, Terry — Prokaryotics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Roemer, Terry
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.