Scientists at Uppsala University have made a discovery in the field of medicine that could be significant in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Their research, published in the
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals a new class of antibiotics that shows potent activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Illustrative image from Pixabay
Antibiotics have been a cornerstone of modern medicine, revolutionizing healthcare and saving countless lives over the past century. However, with the widespread use of antibiotics, the rise of antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health. To combat the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance, the development of new antibiotics is crucial.
This new class of antibiotics targets a key protein called LpxH, which is used by Gram-negative bacteria to synthesize their protective outer layer, lipopolysaccharide. Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae are among those identified by the WHO as requiring urgent attention due to their resistance to existing antibiotics.
Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of this new class of antibiotics in treating blood infections in mice. The results offer hope in combating drug-resistant bacteria in clinical settings.
Unlike existing classes of antibiotics, this new compound targets a protein without preexisting resistance, providing a significant advantage in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The discovery and development of this new class of antibiotics were made possible through collaborative efforts supported by the European project ENABLE.
Led by researchers from Uppsala University and the company GlaxoSmithKline, ENABLE brought together academic experts and pharmaceutical companies across Europe to advance the development of antibiotics at an early stage. The discovery of this new class of antibiotics represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against antibiotic resistance, offering hope for the development of effective treatments against drug-resistant bacteria.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND