Project Grant R44AI197713

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded Riptide Bioscience, Inc., $1 million on August 1, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to develop RP557, a designed host defense peptide for topical treatment of burn wound infections.

RP557 is a chemically derived antimicrobial peptide that exhibits broad activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and biofilm-forming organisms. Preclinical studies demonstrated potent efficacy in a clinically relevant polymicrobial infected full-thickness thermal porcine burn model and rodent models, suppressed inflammatory responses, accelerated wound healing, and showed good tolerability in a 14-day GLP rat toxicology study. The funded work encompasses regulatory-enabling chemistry, manufacturing, and preclinical studies intended to support clinical translation.

The award runs through July 31, 2029, with performance at Riptide Bioscience's location in Vallejo, California. The assistance type is a Project Grant. Burn infection remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in burn patients due to loss of skin barrier function and increased vulnerability to infection; the rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms and biofilm formation limit current antibiotic effectiveness. RP557's mechanism renders bacterial resistance unlikely, positioning it as a potential first-line empiric treatment that could improve patient outcomes while reducing costs to patients, families, hospitals, and society.