Project Grant R01AI201212

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, awarded Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University $733,233 on September 1, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to develop novel nitroxoline analogs for oral treatment of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia.

The project addresses the dual public health challenge posed by these sexually transmitted infections. Nitroxoline, a historic antibiotic, demonstrates potent antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant gonorrhea and chlamydia through dual mechanisms: metal ion chelation and a second, distinct molecular target. Resistance to nitroxoline has not emerged as a significant clinical problem despite its long clinical history. However, poor pharmacokinetic properties—including rapid metabolism and short half-life—limit its systemic use for STI treatment. The research will advance a medicinal chemistry program to develop nitroxoline derivatives with improved pharmacokinetics and efficacy, directly targeting the urgent unmet medical need for effective oral therapy against these resistant pathogens.

Virginia Tech will perform the work in Blacksburg, Virginia, over the five-year period from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2031. The award is a project grant, the standard assistance type for NIH research funding to nonprofit institutions and their named principal investigators.