Using existing antibiotics to fight resistant bacterial infections

Repurposing Gram-positive Antibiotics for Gram-Negative Bacteria using Antibiotic Adjuvants

NIH-funded research University of Notre Dame · NIH-10884357

This study is looking for ways to help people with tough infections caused by a bacteria called Acinetobacter baumannii, which is hard to treat because it's resistant to many antibiotics, by testing new helpers that can make existing antibiotics work better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Notre Dame NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Notre Dame, United States)
Project IDNIH-10884357 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing the challenge of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections, which are increasingly difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. The team is investigating the use of antibiotic adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness of macrolide antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, against these resistant bacteria. By identifying small molecules that can lower the required doses of antibiotics, the research aims to provide new treatment options for patients suffering from these infections. The approach involves laboratory testing to determine how these adjuvants can improve antibiotic efficacy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Acinetobacter baumannii may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using antibiotic adjuvants to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Notre Dame, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.