New treatment to fight infections in chronic wounds
Official title: Antimicrobial Treatment to Combat Wound Biofilm
Funded at Allvivo Vascular, INC. · NIH-11089568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gel called Gatekeeper™ that helps heal stubborn wounds by fighting off bacteria that can cause infections, making it a great option for anyone struggling with chronic wounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allvivo Vascular, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lake Forest, United States) |
| Project start | March 7, 2018 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $999,985 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI136195-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic wounds that are resistant to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute wounds or those not affected by biofilm-related infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel antimicrobial treatment for chronic wounds, which often fail to heal due to the presence of biofilms that protect bacteria. The project aims to create a product called Gatekeeper™, which is a biocompatible and biodegradable hydrogel that effectively targets and eliminates bacteria in these biofilms. By maintaining a moist environment and ensuring close contact with the wound, this treatment seeks to enhance healing and prevent further infections. The efficacy of Gatekeeper™ has been demonstrated in various laboratory and animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve healing outcomes for patients with chronic wounds, reducing the risk of serious infections and amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using antimicrobial peptides for treating biofilm-related infections, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Allvivo Vascular, INC.
Lake Forest, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neff, Jennifer Ann — Allvivo Vascular, INC.
- Study coordinator: Neff, Jennifer Ann
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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.