Using antibodies to prevent and treat infections around joint implants
Official title: Use of Bacterial Biofilm Disrupting Antibodies to Prevent and Treat Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11093563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new antibody that helps fight infections around joint replacement implants by breaking down the protective barriers that bacteria create, aiming to make antibiotics work better and help patients recover faster after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 22, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $202,303 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR084167-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing or who have undergone joint replacement surgery and are at risk for periprosthetic joint infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had joint replacement surgery or those with existing severe infections that are not related to joint implants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing and treating periprosthetic joint infections (PJI), which occur around orthopedic implants after joint replacement surgery. The approach involves using a novel antibody that disrupts bacterial biofilms, which are protective layers that bacteria form to resist treatment. By targeting these biofilms, the research aims to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics and improve patient outcomes. The study will involve rigorous testing to validate the antibody's efficacy in reducing infection rates and improving recovery times for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of infections following joint replacement surgeries, leading to better recovery and fewer complications for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar biofilm-disrupting approaches in other types of infections, indicating potential for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamilton, John L — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hamilton, John L
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.