Researchers have devised a promising pharmaceutical compound known as cresomycin to combat antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” in non-human trials.
The recently introduced antibiotic, cresomycin, has shown efficacy in mice against various bacterial strains causing severe infections, as reported in a recent publication in Science.
These pathogens are increasingly resistant to current treatments.
The synthesis of Cresomycin is part of critical research endeavors aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a phenomenon wherein bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to treatments.
According to the World Health Organization, AMR, primarily attributed to the overuse of antibiotics, is already associated with approximately 5 million deaths annually.
Hospitals are particularly vulnerable to the dissemination of resistant superbugs.
Cresomycin Fights AMR Bacteria
As highlighted in the paper, Cresomycin has demonstrated efficacy against a spectrum of hazardous bacteria that play a significant role in the proliferation of AMR.
These pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, which causes infections in the skin and various organs; Escherichia coli (E. coli), accountable for intestinal and urinary tract ailments; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a causative agent of bloodstream and lung infections.
A major impediment in addressing AMR is the decades-long underinvestment in research, resulting in a dearth of promising new synthetic antibiotics.
While healthcare has historically benefited from treatments derived from natural sources, such as penicillins and cephalosporins obtained from molds, these options are increasingly ineffective as pathogens evolve to resist them.
According to Polikanov, the researchers drew inspiration from an existing antibiotic for cresomycin, but subsequently modified it and incorporated additional features to address the alterations caused by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the targeted pathogens.
