TUCSON, Ariz. August 13, 2024– Critical Path Institute’s (C-Path) Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRxA) announced today that Kenneth Keiler, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Texas at Austin, has been awarded a research grant for his innovative project titled “Inhibitors of the Gram-negative Cell Envelope Stress Response as Anti-Infectives and Antibiotics.” This funding will support Dr. Keiler’s original approach to addressing the critical issue of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.
Despite the availability of numerous approved medicines for Gram-negative infections, the rapid rise in antibiotic resistance far outpaces the development of new therapeutic options. Such resistance is particularly severe in hospital environments, where multi-drug-resistant strains pose significant treatment challenges.
Dr. Keiler’s research focuses on developing inhibitors that target the stress response systems of Gram-negative bacteria. His research could lead to new treatments for life-threatening infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens, offering a promising solution to an urgent medical need.
Maaike Everts, Ph.D., Executive Director of TRxA, commented, “We are delighted to support Dr. Keiler’s inventive work. His approach to target the stress response systems of Gram-negative bacteria represents a significant leap forward in our fight against antibiotic resistance. This research has the potential to develop new treatments that are not subject to the current resistance mechanisms, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes.”
Dr. Keiler expressed his gratitude for the grant, stating, “I am honored to receive this support from TRxA and am eager to advance our research. Addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is imperative, and we believe that by targeting their stress response systems, we can develop effective new treatments that will significantly impact patient care.”
TRxA’s support for Dr. Keiler’s research highlights C-Path’s dedication to advancing innovative solutions that accelerate the development of therapies for people with unmet medical needs. For more information about C-Path and TRxA, visit c-path.org/trxa.
About Critical Path Institute
Critical Path Institute (C-Path) is an independent, nonprofit established in 2005 as a public-private partnership, in response to the FDA’s Critical Path Initiative. C-Path’s mission is to lead collaborations that advance better treatments for people worldwide. Globally recognized as a pioneer in accelerating drug development, C-Path has established numerous international consortia, programs and initiatives that currently include more than 1,600 scientists and representatives from government and regulatory agencies, academia, patient organizations, disease foundations and pharmaceutical and biotech companies. With dedicated team members located throughout the world, C-Path’s global headquarters is located in Tucson, Arizona and C-Path’s Europe subsidiary is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. For more information, visit c-path.org.
About TRxA
Critical Path Institute’s Translational Therapeutics Accelerator (TRxA) is a global drug accelerator focused on supporting academic scientists in advancing novel therapeutics from university-based labs to drug development pipelines of pharmaceutical companies and, ultimately, the clinic. As a non-profit neutral convener of patient groups, academia, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies, C-Path brings a breadth of scientific and drug development planning not available in other accelerator programs. TRxA is uniquely situated to leverage the expertise available through C-Path’s >20 disease-based consortia, as well as regulatory expertise and project management, to empower academic investigators to succeed in bringing safe and effective treatments to patients. For more information, visit c-path.org/trxa or email trxa@c-path.org.
Contacts:
Roxan Triolo Olivas
C-Path
520.954.1634
rolivas@c-path.org
Kissy Black
C-Path
615.310.1894
kblack@c-path.org