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Butler MS, Vollmer W, Goodall ECA, Capon RJ, Henderson IR, Blaskovich MAT. A Review of Antibacterial Candidates with New Modes of Action. ACS Infect Dis 2024. [PMID: 39018341 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
There is a lack of new antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections that increasingly threaten global health. The current pipeline of clinical-stage antimicrobials is primarily populated by "new and improved" versions of existing antibiotic classes, supplemented by several novel chemical scaffolds that act on traditional targets. The lack of fresh chemotypes acting on previously unexploited targets (the "holy grail" for new antimicrobials due to their scarcity) is particularly unfortunate as these offer the greatest opportunity for innovative breakthroughs to overcome existing resistance. In recognition of their potential, this review focuses on this subset of high value antibiotics, providing chemical structures where available. This review focuses on candidates that have progressed to clinical trials, as well as selected examples of promising pioneering approaches in advanced stages of development, in order to stimulate additional research aimed at combating drug-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Butler
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Waldemar Vollmer
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Emily C A Goodall
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Centre for Superbug Solutions and ARC Training Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Duffey M, Jumde RP, da Costa RM, Ropponen HK, Blasco B, Piddock LJ. Extending the Potency and Lifespan of Antibiotics: Inhibitors of Gram-Negative Bacterial Efflux Pumps. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1458-1482. [PMID: 38661541 PMCID: PMC11091901 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Efflux is a natural process found in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that removes a diverse range of substrates from inside to outside. Many antibiotics are substrates of bacterial efflux pumps, and modifications to the structure or overexpression of efflux pumps are an important resistance mechanism utilized by many multidrug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, chemical inhibition of bacterial efflux to revitalize existing antibiotics has been considered a promising approach for antimicrobial chemotherapy over two decades, and various strategies have been employed. In this review, we provide an overview of bacterial multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps, of which the resistance nodulation division (RND) efflux pumps are considered the most clinically relevant in Gram-negative bacteria, and describe over 50 efflux inhibitors that target such systems. Although numerous efflux inhibitors have been identified to date, none have progressed into clinical use because of formulation, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic issues or a narrow spectrum of inhibition. For these reasons, the development of efflux inhibitors has been considered a difficult and complex area of research, and few active preclinical studies on efflux inhibitors are in progress. However, recently developed tools, including but not limited to computational tools including molecular docking models, offer hope that further research on efflux inhibitors can be a platform for research and development of new bacterial efflux inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Duffey
- Global
Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), Chemin Camille-Vidart 15, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ravindra P. Jumde
- Global
Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), Chemin Camille-Vidart 15, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Renata M.A. da Costa
- Global
Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), Chemin Camille-Vidart 15, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Henni-Karoliina Ropponen
- Global
Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), Chemin Camille-Vidart 15, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Blasco
- Global
Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), Chemin Camille-Vidart 15, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laura J.V. Piddock
- Global
Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), Chemin Camille-Vidart 15, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
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Paterson DL. Antibacterial agents active against Gram Negative Bacilli in phase I, II, or III clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:371-387. [PMID: 38445383 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2326028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to modern healthcare, and it is often regarded that the antibiotic pipeline is 'dry.' AREAS COVERED Antimicrobial agents active against Gram negative bacilli in Phase I, II, or III clinical trials were reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Nearly 50 antimicrobial agents (28 small molecules and 21 non-traditional antimicrobial agents) active against Gram-negative bacilli are currently in clinical trials. These have the potential to provide substantial improvements to the antimicrobial armamentarium, although it is known that 'leakage' from the pipeline occurs due to findings of toxicity during clinical trials. Significantly, a lack of funding for large phase III clinical trials is likely to prevent trials occurring for the indications most relevant to loss of life attributed to antimicrobial resistance such as ventilator-associated pneumonia. Non-traditional antimicrobial agents face issues in clinical development such as a lack of readily available and reliable susceptibility tests, and the potential need for superiority trials rather than non-inferiority trials. Most importantly, concrete plans must be made during clinical development for access of new antimicrobial agents to areas of the world where resistance to Gram negative bacilli is most frequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Paterson
- ADVANCE-ID, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Butler MS, Henderson IR, Capon RJ, Blaskovich MAT. Antibiotics in the clinical pipeline as of December 2022. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2023; 76:431-473. [PMID: 37291465 PMCID: PMC10248350 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-023-00629-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The need for new antibacterial drugs to treat the increasing global prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial infections has clearly attracted global attention, with a range of existing and upcoming funding, policy, and legislative initiatives designed to revive antibacterial R&D. It is essential to assess whether these programs are having any real-world impact and this review continues our systematic analyses that began in 2011. Direct-acting antibacterials (47), non-traditional small molecule antibacterials (5), and β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (10) under clinical development as of December 2022 are described, as are the three antibacterial drugs launched since 2020. Encouragingly, the increased number of early-stage clinical candidates observed in the 2019 review increased in 2022, although the number of first-time drug approvals from 2020 to 2022 was disappointingly low. It will be critical to monitor how many Phase-I and -II candidates move into Phase-III and beyond in the next few years. There was also an enhanced presence of novel antibacterial pharmacophores in early-stage trials, and at least 18 of the 26 phase-I candidates were targeted to treat Gram-negative bacteria infections. Despite the promising early-stage antibacterial pipeline, it is essential to maintain funding for antibacterial R&D and to ensure that plans to address late-stage pipeline issues succeed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Butler
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| | - Ian R Henderson
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Mark A T Blaskovich
- Centre for Superbug Solutions, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
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Butler MS, Gigante V, Sati H, Paulin S, Al-Sulaiman L, Rex JH, Fernandes P, Arias CA, Paul M, Thwaites GE, Czaplewski L, Alm RA, Lienhardt C, Spigelman M, Silver LL, Ohmagari N, Kozlov R, Harbarth S, Beyer P. Analysis of the Clinical Pipeline of Treatments for Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infections: Despite Progress, More Action Is Needed. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0199121. [PMID: 35007139 PMCID: PMC8923189 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01991-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent global need for new strategies and drugs to control and treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a list of 12 antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens and began to critically analyze the antibacterial clinical pipeline. This review analyzes "traditional" and "nontraditional" antibacterial agents and modulators in clinical development current on 30 June 2021 with activity against the WHO priority pathogens mycobacteria and Clostridioides difficile. Since 2017, 12 new antibacterial drugs have been approved globally, but only vaborbactam belongs to a new antibacterial class. Also innovative is the cephalosporin derivative cefiderocol, which incorporates an iron-chelating siderophore that facilitates Gram-negative bacteria cell entry. Overall, there were 76 antibacterial agents in clinical development (45 traditional and 31 nontraditional), with 28 in phase 1, 32 in phase 2, 12 in phase 3, and 4 under regulatory evaluation. Forty-one out of 76 (54%) targeted WHO priority pathogens, 16 (21%) were against mycobacteria, 15 (20%) were against C. difficile, and 4 (5%) were nontraditional agents with broad-spectrum effects. Nineteen of the 76 antibacterial agents have new pharmacophores, and 4 of these have new modes of actions not previously exploited by marketed antibacterial drugs. Despite there being 76 antibacterial clinical candidates, this analysis indicated that there were still relatively few clinically differentiated antibacterial agents in late-stage clinical development, especially against critical-priority pathogens. We believe that future antibacterial research and development (R&D) should focus on the development of innovative and clinically differentiated candidates that have clear and feasible progression pathways to the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Butler
- MSBChem Consulting, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Hatim Sati
- Antimicrobial Resistance Division, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Paulin
- Antimicrobial Resistance Division, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - John H. Rex
- F2G Limited, Eccles, Manchester, United Kingdom
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Prabhavathi Fernandes
- Scientific Advisory Committee, GARDP, Geneva, Switzerland
- The National Biodefense Science Board, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Cesar A. Arias
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Infectious Diseases, UTHealth School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mical Paul
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Guy E. Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lloyd Czaplewski
- Chemical Biology Ventures Ltd., Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Christian Lienhardt
- Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Norio Ohmagari
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Roman Kozlov
- Institute of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Smolensk State Medical University, Smolensk, Russia
| | - Stephan Harbarth
- National Center for Infection Prevention, Swissnoso, Bern, Switzerland
- Infection Control Programme, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, WHO Collaborating Center for Patient Safety, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter Beyer
- Antimicrobial Resistance Division, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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Cama J, Al Nahas K, Fletcher M, Hammond K, Ryadnov MG, Keyser UF, Pagliara S. An ultrasensitive microfluidic approach reveals correlations between the physico-chemical and biological activity of experimental peptide antibiotics. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4005. [PMID: 35256720 PMCID: PMC8901753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07973-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance challenges the ability of modern medicine to contain infections. Given the dire need for new antimicrobials, polypeptide antibiotics hold particular promise. These agents hit multiple targets in bacteria starting with their most exposed regions-their membranes. However, suitable approaches to quantify the efficacy of polypeptide antibiotics at the membrane and cellular level have been lacking. Here, we employ two complementary microfluidic platforms to probe the structure-activity relationships of two experimental series of polypeptide antibiotics. We reveal strong correlations between each peptide's physicochemical activity at the membrane level and biological activity at the cellular level. We achieve this knowledge by assaying the membranolytic activities of the compounds on hundreds of individual giant lipid vesicles, and by quantifying phenotypic responses within clonal bacterial populations with single-cell resolution. Our strategy proved capable of detecting differential responses for peptides with single amino acid substitutions between them, and can accelerate the rational design and development of peptide antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehangir Cama
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, North Park Road, Exeter, EX4 4QF, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
| | - Kareem Al Nahas
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Marcus Fletcher
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Katharine Hammond
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, WC1H 0AH, UK
| | - Maxim G Ryadnov
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
- Department of Physics, King's College London, Strand Lane, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Ulrich F Keyser
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Stefano Pagliara
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
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Iskandar K, Murugaiyan J, Hammoudi Halat D, Hage SE, Chibabhai V, Adukkadukkam S, Roques C, Molinier L, Salameh P, Van Dongen M. Antibiotic Discovery and Resistance: The Chase and the Race. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:182. [PMID: 35203785 PMCID: PMC8868473 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The history of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) evolution and the diversity of the environmental resistome indicate that AMR is an ancient natural phenomenon. Acquired resistance is a public health concern influenced by the anthropogenic use of antibiotics, leading to the selection of resistant genes. Data show that AMR is spreading globally at different rates, outpacing all efforts to mitigate this crisis. The search for new antibiotic classes is one of the key strategies in the fight against AMR. Since the 1980s, newly marketed antibiotics were either modifications or improvements of known molecules. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes the current pipeline as bleak, and warns about the scarcity of new leads. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the pre-clinical and clinical pipeline indicates that few antibiotics may reach the market in a few years, predominantly not those that fit the innovative requirements to tackle the challenging spread of AMR. Diversity and innovation are the mainstays to cope with the rapid evolution of AMR. The discovery and development of antibiotics must address resistance to old and novel antibiotics. Here, we review the history and challenges of antibiotics discovery and describe different innovative new leads mechanisms expected to replenish the pipeline, while maintaining a promising possibility to shift the chase and the race between the spread of AMR, preserving antibiotic effectiveness, and meeting innovative leads requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Iskandar
- Department of Mathématiques Informatique et Télécommunications, Université Toulouse III, Paul Sabatier, INSERM, UMR 1295, 31000 Toulouse, France
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut 6573, Lebanon;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
| | - Jayaseelan Murugaiyan
- Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University–AP, Amaravati 522502, India; (J.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa Campus, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
| | - Said El Hage
- Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon;
| | - Vindana Chibabhai
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
- Microbiology Laboratory, National Health Laboratory Service, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Saranya Adukkadukkam
- Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University–AP, Amaravati 522502, India; (J.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Christine Roques
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Department of Bioprocédés et Systèmes Microbiens, Université Paul Sabtier, Toulouse III, UMR 5503, 31330 Toulouse, France;
| | - Laurent Molinier
- Department of Medical Information, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, INSERM, UMR 1295, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, 31000 Toulouse, France;
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut 6573, Lebanon;
- Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon;
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus
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Rogers JV, Hall VL, McOsker CC. Crumbling the Castle: Targeting DNABII Proteins for Collapsing Bacterial Biofilms as a Therapeutic Approach to Treat Disease and Combat Antimicrobial Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:104. [PMID: 35052981 PMCID: PMC8773079 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a concerning global threat that, if not addressed, could lead to increases in morbidity and mortality, coupled with societal and financial burdens. The emergence of AMR bacteria can be attributed, in part, to the decreased development of new antibiotics, increased misuse and overuse of existing antibiotics, and inadequate treatment options for biofilms formed during bacterial infections. Biofilms are complex microbiomes enshrouded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) that is a primary defense mechanism of the resident microorganisms against antimicrobial agents and the host immune system. In addition to the physical protective EPS barrier, biofilm-resident bacteria exhibit tolerance mechanisms enabling persistence and the establishment of recurrent infections. As current antibiotics and therapeutics are becoming less effective in combating AMR, new innovative technologies are needed to address the growing AMR threat. This perspective article highlights such a product, CMTX-101, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets a universal component of bacterial biofilms, leading to pathogen-agnostic rapid biofilm collapse and engaging three modes of action-the sensitization of bacteria to antibiotics, host immune enablement, and the suppression of site-specific tissue inflammation. CMTX-101 is a new tool used to enhance the effectiveness of existing, relatively inexpensive first-line antibiotics to fight infections while promoting antimicrobial stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles C. McOsker
- Clarametyx Biosciences, Inc., 1275 Kinnear Rd, Columbus, OH 43212, USA; (J.V.R.); (V.L.H.)
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Privalsky TM, Soohoo AM, Wang J, Walsh CT, Wright GD, Gordon EM, Gray NS, Khosla C. Prospects for Antibacterial Discovery and Development. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:21127-21142. [PMID: 34860516 PMCID: PMC8855840 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is an urgent health crisis that can only be countered through renewed investment in the discovery and development of antibiotics. There is no panacea for the antibacterial resistance crisis; instead, a multifaceted approach is called for. In this Perspective we make the case that, in the face of evolving clinical needs and enabling technologies, numerous validated antibacterial targets and associated lead molecules deserve a second look. At the same time, many worthy targets lack good leads despite harboring druggable active sites. Creative and inspired techniques buoy discovery efforts; while soil screening efforts frequently lead to antibiotic rediscovery, researchers have found success searching for new antibiotic leads by studying underexplored ecological niches or by leveraging the abundance of available data from genome mining efforts. The judicious use of "polypharmacology" (i.e., the ability of a drug to alter the activities of multiple targets) can also provide new opportunities, as can the continued search for inhibitors of resistance enzymes with the capacity to breathe new life into old antibiotics. We conclude by highlighting available pharmacoeconomic models for antibacterial discovery and development while making the case for new ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Privalsky
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Alexander M. Soohoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 United States
| | - Christopher T. Walsh
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Gerard D. Wright
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Eric M. Gordon
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Nathanael S. Gray
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Chaitan Khosla
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
- Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
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