Targeting bacterial cell walls to fight antibiotic-resistant infections
Discovery and characterization of new bacterial cell wall targets and inhibitors to treat resistant infections
['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · NIH-11412419
Researchers are developing new medicines that break through bacterial cell walls to help people with antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11412419 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team is studying how bacteria build and protect their outer layers so they can find weak spots. They examine how different antibiotics interact with the membrane and the peptidoglycan cell wall and study enzymes that make those components. In the lab they will design and test new molecules that block those bacterial enzymes or make bacteria more sensitive to existing antibiotics. The goal is to move the most promising compounds toward tests that could eventually involve patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with serious or drug-resistant bacterial infections would be the most likely candidates for future clinical trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People with viral infections or non-bacterial conditions are unlikely to benefit from these antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce new antibiotics or drug combinations that work against resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Existing approved antibiotics target bacterial cell walls successfully, but this project explores new molecular targets and inhibitor types that are largely untested in patients.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WALKER, SUZANNE — HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- Study coordinator: WALKER, SUZANNE
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.