Novel antimicrobial inhaled therapy to treat resistant lung infections
Official title: Optimization of a novel antimicrobial for pulmonary delivery to fight respiratory infections
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-11378440 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new inhaled antimicrobial candidate called A4-X7 is being developed to treat drug-resistant lung infections in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $221,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI191628-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378440 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults 21 years and older with or at risk for drug-resistant airway infections, particularly those caused by ESKAPE pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without drug-resistant lung infections or those unable to tolerate inhaled therapies may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on delivering a novel antimicrobial peptide directly to the lungs to fight dangerous bacteria that cause lung infections and are resistant to many drugs. Researchers will optimize the compound’s stability, potency, and safety for inhaled use and test its effectiveness against priority bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii and other ESKAPE pathogens. The work involves preclinical studies, formulation development for pulmonary delivery, and safety assessments to ensure it can be given to patients through the airway. If successful, the research could lead to a new treatment option for people with hard-to-treat respiratory infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with drug-resistant lung infections could have a new, effective inhaled treatment option.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with similar antimicrobial peptides has shown promise in preclinical models, supporting further development in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Di, Yuanpu Peter — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Di, Yuanpu Peter
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.