New treatment targets for MRSA infections
Subproject 2: Identification of Pathways that Can be Targeted for the Development of Novel Therapies for MRSA
['FUNDING_P01'] · MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY · NIH-11299025
Looks for drugs that can kill MRSA bacteria, including the hard-to-kill persister cells, to help people with MRSA infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11299025 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project searches thousands of compounds using a worm-based (C. elegans) infection model and lab tests to find molecules that work against MRSA. Researchers prioritized four compounds that destroy bacterial membranes and can kill both actively growing MRSA and dormant persister cells. The team tested how fast these compounds kill bacteria, whether they boost other antibiotics, and how likely bacteria are to become resistant. They also studied related chemical analogs and linked anti-persister activity to increased bacterial membrane fluidity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with MRSA infections, especially those with chronic, recurrent, or antibiotic-tolerant (persister) S. aureus infections, are the most likely eventual candidates to benefit.
Not a fit: People without MRSA infections or with conditions unrelated to bacterial infection are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medicines that clear chronic or recurrent MRSA infections that resist current antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Related membrane-targeting compounds have shown promise in lab and animal studies and some have advanced preclinical work, but translating these findings into safe, approved human drugs remains early.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MYLONAKIS, ELEFTHERIOS — MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY
- Study coordinator: MYLONAKIS, ELEFTHERIOS
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.