Understanding how vancomycin causes kidney damage to prevent it
Official title: Elucidating the temporal mechanism of vancomycin kidney toxicity as a means to prevent injury
Funded at Midwestern University · NIH-10875447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the antibiotic vancomycin can harm the kidneys, using pigs to help us understand what happens and why, so we can find better ways to keep patients safe when they need this medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Midwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Downers Grove, United States) |
| Project start | June 26, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $119,475 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178328-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require vancomycin treatment and are at risk for acute kidney injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not prescribed vancomycin or have no risk factors for kidney injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the timing and mechanisms behind kidney injury caused by the antibiotic vancomycin. Using a swine model that closely mimics human critical illness, the study aims to perform serial biopsies to gather crucial data that has been difficult to obtain in traditional animal models or ethically in humans. By identifying how vancomycin accumulates in kidney cells and the conditions that lead to injury, the research seeks to develop targeted prevention strategies. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the safety of vancomycin and similar antibiotics for patients who need them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer antibiotic treatments, reducing the risk of kidney damage in patients receiving vancomycin.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using a swine model for this type of research is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding drug-induced kidney injuries.
Where this research is happening
-
Midwestern University
Downers Grove, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scheetz, Marc Howard — Midwestern University
- Study coordinator: Scheetz, Marc Howard
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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.