Using machine learning to create new antibiotics for gonorrhea

Harnessing machine learning to develop new antibiotics for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11054559

This study is working on finding new antibiotics to treat gonorrhea, a common infection that has become hard to cure because the bacteria are resistant to current medicines, and it's led by Dr. Melis Anahtar, who specializes in this area.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11054559 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new antibiotics for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a bacterium that has become resistant to existing treatments. By utilizing machine learning techniques, the project aims to identify and create effective antibiotic candidates to combat this growing threat. The research is led by Dr. Melis Anahtar, who has a background in clinical pathology and antimicrobial resistance. The goal is to address the urgent public health challenge posed by drug-resistant gonorrhea, which affects millions globally.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with gonorrhea, particularly those with drug-resistant infections.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have gonorrhea or those with non-drug-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that effectively treat drug-resistant gonorrhea, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using machine learning for antibiotic discovery, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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 →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

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.