Understanding how small molecules enter and exit antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Small-Molecule Penetration and Efflux in Gram-Negative Bacteria

['FUNDING_R01'] · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · NIH-11044087

This study is looking at how tiny molecules can get into and out of tough bacteria that don't respond to regular antibiotics, like Acinetobacter baumannii, to help find better treatments for infections that are hard to treat.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11044087 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which small molecules penetrate and are expelled from the cells of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, specifically focusing on Acinetobacter baumannii. The team has developed a platform that combines experimental and computational methods to analyze these processes, aiming to identify structural features that enhance the effectiveness of new antibiotics. By creating a large dataset, they will train machine learning models to predict how well potential antibiotics can penetrate bacterial defenses. This approach seeks to overcome the challenges faced in developing effective treatments against these resistant infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly those caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria or those not infected with antibiotic-resistant strains may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are effective against resistant bacterial infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using computational models to enhance antibiotic development, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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 →

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.