2024-01-04 12:31:00
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Researchers from the pharmaceutical company Roche have marked a milestone in medicine with the development of Zosurabalpinaa new type of antibiotic. Published in the magazine Naturethis discovery represents a significant advance in the fight against resistant infections, especially against Acinetobacter baumanniia pathogen identified by the World Health Organization as an urgent threat.
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This microorganism, notorious in hospital environments and prominent during the COVID-19 pandemichas become increasingly resistant to conventional treatments.
The relevance of this discovery lies in the ability of Zosurabalpine to overcome the defenses of gram-negative bacteria. These pathogens, known for their two cell membranes, present a considerable challenge to existing antibiotics. Zosurabalpine, however, uses an innovative mechanism: blocks the transport of lipopolysaccharide, a critical component in the outer membrane of these bacteria.
This approach not only inhibits the survivability of A. baumannii but also makes it more susceptible to other antibiotics, offering a combined strategy to combat these infections.
TEST IN MICE
The research team, led by scientists Michael Lobritz y Kenneth Bradley, undertook a meticulous task by analyzing an extensive database containing approximately 45,000 synthetic peptides. These molecules, notably different from those that commonly form the basis of most antibiotics traditionally derived from natural sources, presented a promising field of study. Within this vast collection of peptides, the team managed to identify several molecules with notable antibacterial properties. Among this select group, one molecule in particular caught his attention, showing exceptional potential.
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Subsequently, this team of researchers focused on optimizing this specific molecule, with the aim of improving both its effectiveness and its safety profile. This refinement phase was crucial to ensure that the compound was not only effective in fighting bacterial infections, but also safe for potential use in medical treatments.
The relevance of this drug was revealed in preclinical experiments, where it demonstrated its ability to cure pneumonia caused by the bacteria. Acinetobacter baumannii in animal models, specifically in mice. These positive results paved the way for the next crucial phase of its development: human clinical trials.
CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS IN THE RACE AGAINST SUPERBACTERIA
This advance is not only crucial for public health today, but is also essential for addressing a problem that, according to some estimates, could become the leading cause of death globally by 2050.
War against superbugs
Therefore, furthermore, according to a recent study by the World Bank Groupinfections that do not respond to drug treatments could cause an economic impact comparable to that of the 2008 financial crisis. The analysis suggests that a scenario of high antimicrobial resistance, in which antibiotics and other drugs are not effective in treating infections, could result in a decline of more than 5% in the gross domestic product (GDP) of low-income countries , in addition to driving 28 million people, mostly in developing nations, into poverty by 2050.
However, despite the revolutionary potential of Zosurabalpine, there is also the possibility that bacteria develop resistance to this new drug. This is a reminder that the fight against superbugs is an ongoing race, where innovation must stay one step ahead of bacterial evolution.
Additionally, the antibiotics market faces unique challenges. For example, the development of new antibiotics is difficult to make profitable. Given their nature, antibiotics must be used with caution to prevent bacterial adaptation, often leading to newer drugs being reserved while older ones remain effective. This situation has led institutions such as the European Union to consider incentives to encourage the development of new antibiotics.
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