Targeted antibacterial peptides to fight drug-resistant infections
Precision Design of Antimicrobial Peptides Against Bacterial Infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11172549
Researchers are designing new antimicrobial peptides to treat people with antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172549 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using artificial intelligence and computer models to generate many candidate antimicrobial peptides. They then synthesize the most promising peptides and test them in bacterial cultures and animal models to measure how well they kill specific resistant bacteria and whether they harm healthy cells. The team is aiming for narrow-spectrum peptides that target particular pathogens to reduce toxicity and slow the development of resistance. If candidates show safety and effectiveness in preclinical work, the best ones could move toward testing in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria or those who have run out of effective antibiotic options are the kinds of patients who might eventually benefit.
Not a fit: Patients with viral illnesses, non-infectious conditions, or routine bacterial infections that respond to existing antibiotics would not be helped by these peptides.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could produce new targeted treatments for infections that no longer respond to standard antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Antimicrobial peptides have shown promise in laboratory and animal studies, but few have reached approval because of toxicity and delivery challenges, so the approach is promising but still experimental.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, JIANING — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: LI, JIANING
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections