Using existing drugs to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria

Repurposing novel selective drugs for treatment and decolonization of vancomycin resistant enterococci

NIH-funded research Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10690513

This study is looking for new ways to treat infections caused by tough bacteria called vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) by using safe, already-approved medications that might help fight these infections while keeping your good gut bacteria healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project IDNIH-10690513 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding effective treatments for infections caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), which are a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections. The approach involves repurposing FDA-approved carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, which have shown promise in laboratory tests for their ability to combat these resistant bacteria without harming the beneficial gut microbiota. By utilizing existing medications, the research aims to expedite the availability of new treatment options for patients suffering from these infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have been diagnosed with VRE infections or are at risk of such infections.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than vancomycin-resistant enterococci may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with safer and more effective treatment options for VRE infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that repurposing existing drugs can be effective in treating resistant infections, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.

Where this research is happening

Blacksburg, 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.
Conditions Autoimmune Diseasesautoimmune disorderautoimmunity disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.