Using friendly bacteria to help heal diabetic foot wounds

Prevention of intracellular infection in diabetic wounds by commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11085919

This study is looking at how a friendly bacteria called Staphylococcus epidermidis can help heal diabetic foot ulcers and prevent infections, with the hope of finding new treatments to keep you healthy and reduce the chances of needing an amputation.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11085919 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the beneficial bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis can help prevent infections and promote healing in diabetic foot ulcers. By understanding the relationship between this commensal bacterium and the immune response, the study aims to develop new treatments that enhance wound healing and reduce the risk of amputations. The approach involves analyzing the microbiome of diabetic patients and exploring how these bacteria can counteract harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. The ultimate goal is to create effective therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from diabetic foot complications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have diabetic foot ulcers or are at risk of developing them.

Not a fit: Patients with non-diabetic foot wounds or those who do not have diabetes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve healing outcomes for patients with diabetic foot ulcers and reduce the incidence of amputations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using beneficial bacteria to improve wound healing, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

CORAL GABLES, 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.