Using natural microbial mixtures to create better antibiotic combinations
Discovery and development of drug cocktails evolved by Nature
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION · NIH-11320858
Finding natural combinations of compounds to make antibiotics that work better for people with drug-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11320858 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, the team is looking at how microbes naturally make sets of compounds that work together and using those recipes to find stronger antibiotic mixes. They will use genome data to predict which compounds are co-produced, test mixtures in the lab for synergy against drug-resistant bacteria, and develop ways to make promising combinations. The work focuses on reducing the chance that bacteria become resistant and on producing mixtures that could be developed into therapies. These are laboratory steps that could guide later testing in people if promising candidates are found.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with drug-resistant bacterial infections would be the most likely candidates for any future clinical testing based on these findings.
Not a fit: This laboratory-focused research does not directly help people with viral infections or non-infectious conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new combination antibiotics that are more effective against drug-resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: There are known examples where natural product combinations work against bacteria, but using genome-guided discovery of co-produced synergistic mixtures is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHU, XUEJUN — TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION
- Study coordinator: ZHU, XUEJUN
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 below.