Nitroxoline: a dual-action antibiotic for drug-resistant gonorrhea and chlamydia
Official title: Repositioning the old antibiotic nitroxoline with a dual mechanism of action for treating drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11425596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing an old antibiotic, nitroxoline, in an oral therapy aimed at treating both drug-resistant gonorrhea and chlamydia in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $733,233 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI201212-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults at risk for or diagnosed with chlamydia or drug-resistant gonorrhea who can take oral medications and do not have contraindications to nitroxoline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chlamydia or gonorrhea, or those with allergies or contraindications to nitroxoline, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at turning a longstanding antibiotic into a convenient oral treatment for two common sexually transmitted infections. It focuses on nitroxoline’s dual mechanisms to fight both Chlamydia trachomatis and drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with attention to improving drug properties for effective use in humans. The researchers will explore how the drug’s metal-binding action and a second target contribute to its antimicrobial activity, and how to optimize dosing for safety and efficacy. If successful, this work could lead to a single-pill therapy that helps curb resistant infections and simplify treatment for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have an effective oral option to treat both chlamydia and drug-resistant gonorrhea with a single therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed nitroxoline has antimicrobial activity against these pathogens and a dual-action profile, with ongoing efforts to improve pharmacokinetics for systemic use.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seleem, Mohamed — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Seleem, Mohamed
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.