Displaying items by tag: antibiotic resistance

Scientists have made a breakthrough in antibiotic research with Zosurabalpin, a new drug effective against drug-resistant bacteria like Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (Crab). This discovery, significant in the fight against antibiotic resistance, has shown promising results in mouse models for pneumonia and sepsis and is now progressing to human trials. Crab, a critical pathogen identified by the World Health Organization, is notorious for its resistance to multiple antibiotics. Zosurabalpin, developed by Roche Pharma, is notable as the first new antibiotic for Gram-negative bacteria, known for their protective outer shells, in over fifty years. Research demonstrates that Zosurabalpin disrupts the bacterium's outer membrane, effectively killing it. This breakthrough offers new avenues for antibiotic development against similar bacteria. However, experts like Dr Andrew Edwards and Dr Michael Lobritz emphasise that this is not a complete solution to antimicrobial resistance. The UK's science committee suggests exploring bacteriophages as an alternative treatment, recommending a production facility at the Rosalind Franklin laboratory to facilitate clinical trials.