NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how bacteria resist new antibacterial treatments

Official title: Identifying Mechanisms of Resistance to Pathogen-Specific Antibacterial Antisense Compounds and Strategies to Circumvent Them

Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11117793 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how some tough bacteria become resistant to new treatments called PPMOs, and it aims to find out how these treatments can still work against those bacteria, which could help patients with stubborn infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project startMay 16, 2025
Project endApril 30, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$254,478
NIH project number1R21AI190740-01
Project IDNIH-11117793 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include patients suffering from infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii.

Less likely to help

Patients with infections caused by non-resistant bacteria may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which certain bacteria, particularly multidrug-resistant strains, develop resistance to a new class of antibacterial agents known as peptide-phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs). By using advanced techniques, the researchers aim to identify how these PPMOs can effectively target and kill harmful bacteria while overcoming resistance. The study will involve laboratory experiments and animal models to assess the effectiveness of PPMOs against various bacterial pathogens. Patients with infections caused by resistant bacteria may benefit from the insights gained in this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that PPMOs can effectively kill various bacterial pathogens, indicating a promising approach in combating antibiotic resistance.

Where this research is happening

  • Ut Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Greenberg, David Elihu — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Greenberg, David Elihu

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.