Browse Technologies

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New compounds developed at Vanderbilt demonstrate a unique mechanism of broad spectrum activity to stymy antibacterial resistance. The compounds are particularly useful in chronic infections where long term antibiotic therapy fails, because it specifically kills "small colony variants" -- the bacteria that have developed resistance mechanisms. These compounds show promise in treating Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), and in overcoming difficult-to-treat infections in bone in cystic fibrosis patients. These compounds could be combined with new (and old) antimicrobial drugs to outwit resistant bacterial infections.

Vanderbilt researchers have developed an injectable drug delivery vehicle using microparticles (MPs) that not only provide sustained cargo delivery over extended time but also play a therapeutic role themselves in reducing inflammation. This drug delivery platform can be used in treating ocular diseases such as glaucoma and traumatic optic neuropathy, as well as other inflammatory diseases throughout the body like peripheral arterial disease and osteoarthritis.

Vanderbilt researchers have developed a combination photodynamic therapy (PDT) for targeting MRSA infections in skin that is not only effective but also HIGHLY SPECIFIC and LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO RESISTANCE, adding a much needed therapy to our quickly depleting arsenal against this pathogen.

Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a common and debilitating autoimmune disease, causing dry eye symptoms ranging from discomfort to dysfunction. Vanderbilt researchers have identified orally administered levocarnitine as a novel potential therapeutic for treating this condition.