Testing a new oral antibiotic for treating early syphilis

Pilot study of linezolid for early syphilis treatment

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10745348

This study is looking at how well the antibiotic linezolid works for treating early syphilis, especially for people who can’t easily get the usual penicillin shots, and it will involve 60 participants trying out different doses to find the best way to help them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10745348 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of linezolid, an FDA-approved antibiotic, as a treatment for early syphilis. The study aims to provide an alternative to the standard injectable penicillin, which is not readily available in many regions. By enrolling 60 participants, the research will compare two different dosing regimens of linezolid to determine the best approach for treating this condition. The study is designed to assess both the clinical efficacy and the ability of linezolid to eliminate the bacteria causing syphilis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with early syphilis.

Not a fit: Patients with late-stage syphilis or those who are allergic to linezolid may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, accessible oral treatment option for early syphilis, improving patient compliance and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been limited trials on alternative treatments for syphilis, this specific approach using linezolid is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.