Stopping resistance to new antibiotics for MRSA
Overcoming Resistance to Novel Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Researchers are creating and improving a new kind of antibiotic aimed at treating MRSA and other drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11234279 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team is designing and testing a new class of antibiotics (NBTIs) that target essential bacterial enzymes to kill resistant bugs like MRSA. They make hundreds of different molecules in the lab, examine how bacteria develop resistance, and pick the most promising compounds for safety and infection-model testing. The group compares their leads to drugs such as gepotidacin and changes the chemistry to lower resistance and side effects. The goal is to produce successor drugs that could eventually become new treatment options for people with resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with MRSA or other antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, or patients willing to provide bacterial samples, would be the most relevant candidates for involvement or future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial conditions (for example viral illnesses or chronic noninfectious diseases) are unlikely to benefit directly, and this preclinical work does not offer immediate treatment for individuals needing urgent care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer, more effective antibiotics that provide new treatment options when current drugs stop working against MRSA and other resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Related NBTI drugs such as gepotidacin have shown clinical promise in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials, but resistance has already been seen so this project builds on promising yet still-challenged approaches.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitton-Fry, Mark J. — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Mitton-Fry, Mark J.
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.