New antibiotics to fight drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections

Novel Cyclic Boronate Cell Wall Inhibitors Targeting Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

NIH-funded research Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11064025

This study is working on a new type of antibiotic that can help treat tough infections caused by a bacteria called Acinetobacter baumannii, which is resistant to many existing antibiotics, so that patients can have better options for recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVenatorx Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Malvern, United States)
Project IDNIH-11064025 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new class of antibiotics called cyclic boronates that specifically target and inhibit the growth of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). The approach involves creating compounds that can effectively bypass the bacterial defenses that have rendered traditional antibiotics ineffective. By targeting penicillin-binding proteins, these new antibiotics aim to provide a viable treatment option for patients suffering from severe infections caused by this resistant pathogen. The research includes laboratory testing to evaluate the effectiveness of these compounds against various clinical isolates of CRAB.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not resistant to carbapenems may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, significantly improving their chances of recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing new antibiotics targeting resistant bacteria, but this specific approach using cyclic boronates is novel.

Where this research is happening

Malvern, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.