Understanding and Preventing Drug Resistance in Infections and Cancer
Official title: Defining and Avoiding Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10765109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how germs and cancer cells become resistant to treatments, so we can create better medicines that stay effective longer, helping patients get the care they need without worrying about the drugs not working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $502,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM151996-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10765109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as cancer patients who may be at risk of developing drug resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve drug resistance or those who are not currently undergoing treatment for infections or cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that lead to drug resistance in bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, as well as in cancer. By utilizing a combination of experimental and computational techniques, the project aims to develop preemptive strategies in drug design to avoid resistance before it occurs. The research focuses on understanding how rapid evolution affects drug effectiveness and seeks to create inhibitors that are less likely to encounter resistance. Patients may benefit from new therapies that maintain their effectiveness over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments that remain potent against infections and cancers, reducing the burden of drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in similar approaches, particularly in understanding drug resistance mechanisms and developing strategies to counteract them.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schiffer, Celia a. — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Schiffer, Celia a.
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.