Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have identified a small molecule named IITR08367. This discovery holds promise in the fight against drug-resistant urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly those caused by the notorious pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii.
Antibiotic resistance is a critical global health issue, with the World Health Organization predicting that by 2050, millions of lives could be lost annually due to resistant infections.
Acinetobacter baumannii, known for its robust defense mechanisms, including biofilm production and efflux pumps like AbaF, often renders the antibiotic fosfomycin ineffective. These defense strategies make treating A. baumannii infections extremely challenging.
THE BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY
The research team led by Professor Ranjana Pathania at IIT Roorkee has discovered IITR08367, a molecule that inhibits the AbaF efflux pump. By preventing the expulsion of fosfomycin from bacterial cells, IITR08367 makes the antibiotic effective against A. baumannii.
This discovery not only revitalizes the efficacy of fosfomycin but also addresses the challenge of bacterial biofilm formation, a key factor in antibiotic resistance.
Published in the prestigious ACS Infectious Diseases journal, this breakthrough has the potential to transform treatment options for UTIs caused by multidrug-resistant A. baumannii.
The molecule has been found safe and effective in preclinical studies, offering hope for more targeted and potent therapies.
SCIENTIFIC AND SOCIETAL IMPACT
Professor Ranjana Pathania emphasised the significance of this discovery, stating, “This discovery represents a significant milestone in the fight against antibiotic resistance. By targeting bacterial defense mechanisms, we can enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and pave the way for the development of new treatment strategies.”
The societal impact of IITR08367 is profound. With antibiotic-resistant infections posing a growing threat to public health worldwide, innovative solutions like this offer hope by preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and addressing the urgent need for new therapeutic options.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The research team, including Mahak Saini, Dr Amit Gaurav, and Arsalan Hussain, is now working on developing IITR08367 into a therapeutic agent for clinical trials. This critical phase will assess the molecule’s safety, efficacy, and potential side effects in human patients, bringing us closer to combating antibiotic resistance on a global scale.
Professor KK Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, remarked, “The discovery of IITR08367 opens new horizons in the battle against antibiotic resistance. This breakthrough underscores our commitment to cutting-edge research with real-world impact, addressing global health challenges and advancing human well-being.”
Source Agencies
