Predicting how gut bacteria affect drug breakdown in people
Official title: Predicting and preventing drug metabolism by the human gut microbiome
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11447313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how a common gut bacterium changes how medicines are absorbed and processed in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2016 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $819,998 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL122593-10A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People taking drugs known to be affected by gut bacteria, or those with gut microbiome differences that influence drug metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose medications are not influenced by gut microbial metabolism may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers have built powerful tools to study Eggerthella lenta, a gut bacterium, and its role in drug metabolism. The project will use cell cultures, animal models, and human data to uncover how bacterial enzymes and metabolites influence drug absorption and breakdown. By advancing genetic tools for this bacterium, they aim to map mechanisms that affect many medicines and dietary compounds. The work could lead to better personalized dosing and fewer drug-related side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could improve how medications are prescribed by accounting for gut microbes that alter drug metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has established a solid foundation and tools for studying this bacterium, with progress translating to understanding drug disposition.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turnbaugh, Peter James — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Turnbaugh, Peter James
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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.