Testing a new oral antibiotic for treating early syphilis
Official title: Pilot study of linezolid for early syphilis treatment
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10745348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 22, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $150,436 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173988-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10745348 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with early syphilis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with late-stage syphilis or those who are allergic to linezolid may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klausner, Jeffrey David — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Klausner, Jeffrey David
Related research
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Syphilis in Pregnancy: Molecular Tests and Immune Responses in Mom and Baby
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Crowdsourced digital messaging to boost syphilis and HIV testing for women in NYC and rural Alabama
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Preventing syphilis in pregnant people in Rio de Janeiro
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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.