Understanding and stopping antibiotic resistance caused by specific enzymes

Evolution and inhibition of carbapenemase in beta-lactam resistance

NIH-funded research University of South Florida · NIH-11051272

This study is looking at how certain enzymes make bacteria resistant to important antibiotics, and it's working on creating new medicines that can stop these enzymes so that patients can have better treatment options for tough infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of South Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051272 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain enzymes, known as carbapenemases, contribute to antibiotic resistance, particularly against a class of antibiotics called carbapenems. The team is using advanced drug discovery techniques to develop new inhibitors that can effectively target these enzymes, which are becoming increasingly resistant to existing treatments. By analyzing the structure of these enzymes and their interactions with potential inhibitors, the research aims to find effective solutions to combat infections caused by resistant bacteria. Patients may benefit from new treatments that can overcome these resistant infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria, particularly those with serious or life-threatening conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not resistant to carbapenems may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that effectively treat infections caused by resistant bacteria.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing inhibitors for similar antibiotic resistance mechanisms, indicating a potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, 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.