Researchers in N.S. develop family of antibiotics to combat superbugs

Researchers at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, led by Christopher McMaster, have made groundbreaking advancements in the fight against superbugs — bacteria that have become resistant to traditional antibiotics. After a decade of research and testing over 700 variations, McMaster’s team has identified 30 new antibiotics that are highly effective against these drug-resistant pathogens.

The overuse of antibiotics has led to a rise in superbugs, making it challenging to treat infections effectively. McMaster explained that their discovery includes a family of 30 molecules that target the same enzyme, offering multiple options for delivery methods such as topical application, oral consumption, and intravenous administration. These antibiotics have shown efficacy against a wide range of drug-resistant bacteria, providing hope for combating this global health threat.

According to the World Health Organization, superbugs pose a significant risk to public health and development, causing over five million deaths worldwide. Infectious disease physician Paul Bonnar from Nova Scotia Health highlighted the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance, where common infections require stronger intravenous antibiotics due to the ineffectiveness of oral medications. This strain on the healthcare system underscores the urgent need for alternative treatments to combat superbugs effectively.

One area where the new antibiotics show promise is in treating diabetic foot ulcers, a common complication for individuals with diabetes. McMaster emphasized that these infections are challenging to treat due to poor circulation in diabetic patients, making it difficult for medications to reach the affected area. Moreover, superbugs further complicate the healing process, leading to severe consequences such as amputations. Addressing diabetic foot infections is crucial, as they are a leading cause of hospital amputations and pose a significant risk to patient mortality.

Moving forward, McMaster’s team aims to secure funding for safety and toxicity trials to validate the efficacy of their new antibiotics in human subjects. Sam Ruttonsha, director of DeNovaMed Inc., estimated that the next phase of testing to ensure the drug’s effectiveness in humans would require approximately $8 million. This critical step is essential to bring these innovative treatments to patients in need and combat the growing threat of superbugs effectively.

With their groundbreaking research and development, McMaster and his team are at the forefront of finding solutions to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and improve patient outcomes in the face of this global health crisis.