Understanding how bacteria evolve to resist antibiotics

Evolutionary Tradeoffs in Antibiotic Resistance

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · NIH-11011835

This study looks at how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and why some survive better than others, with the hope that the findings will help create better treatments for infections that are hard to treat.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorHARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11011835 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics through genetic mutations and environmental factors. By examining the evolutionary tradeoffs that influence bacterial survival, the study aims to uncover why some resistant strains thrive while others do not. The approach includes laboratory experiments and computational analyses to model bacterial evolution under various conditions. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant infections, improving treatment outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial evolution and antibiotic resistance, indicating that this approach is grounded in established scientific inquiry.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: chronic infection

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.