New non-β-lactam compounds to tackle drug-resistant Pseudomonas infections
Official title: Discovery of novel PBP-targeting chemical warheads to address multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at Spring Mill Pharma Incorporated · NIH-11315103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small business project tests new non-β-lactam compounds that block penicillin-binding proteins in multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa to develop stronger antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spring Mill Pharma Incorporated NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Malvern, United States) |
| Project start | August 11, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI197818-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11315103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with infections caused by multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are not responding to standard β-lactam therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-resistant bacteria or those not dealing with Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on discovering novel chemical warheads that inhibit essential penicillin-binding proteins in hard-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By using structure-based virtual screening and creating biochemical tests, the team aims to identify compounds that prevent bacterial growth despite β-lactam resistance. The work is conducted through an SBIR Phase 1 program at Spring Mill Pharmaceuticals, targeting PBP3, a resistant PBP3 variant, and PBP2 to curb cell division and elongation in the bacteria. If successful, these early findings could pave the way for new antibiotic candidates capable of overcoming current resistance mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain access to new antibiotic options effective against resistant Pseudomonas infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with non-β-lactam PBP inhibitors shows promise in preclinical stages, though this exact SBIR approach is early-stage and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Spring Mill Pharma Incorporated
Malvern, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uehara, Tsuyoshi — Spring Mill Pharma Incorporated
- Study coordinator: Uehara, Tsuyoshi
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.