New inhibitors to help antibiotics work against drug-resistant bacteria

Broad spectrum β-lactamase inhibitors employing a Trojan horse mechanism to rescue β-lactams against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

NIH-funded research Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-10773624

This study is working on a new way to help antibiotics work better against tough infections caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, so patients can have more effective treatment options when dealing with these resistant infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVenatorx Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Malvern, United States)
Project IDNIH-10773624 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new type of inhibitor that can help restore the effectiveness of β-lactam antibiotics against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The approach involves creating a catechol-conjugated β-lactamase inhibitor that facilitates the entry of antibiotics into bacterial cells, overcoming resistance mechanisms. By optimizing these inhibitors, the research aims to enhance the activity of existing antibiotics like ceftolozane, which is currently used to treat serious infections. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options for infections caused by resistant bacteria.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly those with multidrug-resistant strains.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with more effective treatments for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing inhibitors that enhance the efficacy of antibiotics against resistant bacteria, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.

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.