New Compound Makes Antibiotics 16 Times More Effective Against Superbugs

North Carolina State University chemists have created a compound that makes existing antibiotics 16 times more effective against antibiotic-resistant "superbugs."

Previously, an NC State chemist found a compound derived from a class of molecules known as 2-aminoimidazoles "recharged" existing antibiotics, making them effective against Gram-positive, antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. Researchers set to work on a variety of the compound that might prove similarly effective against their Gram-negative brethren.

 



In a paper published in ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters, the researchers describe a compound that, when used in conjunction with the antibiotic imipenem, increased the antibiotic's effectiveness against the antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae 16-fold. The researchers believe that these early results are very promising for future treatments.

Related Articles on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria:

Researchers Develop Method of Restoring Antibiotic Sensitivity to Possibly Fight Superbugs

Raman Spectroscopy Enabled Researchers to Distinguish Infections, Antibiotic Resistance

Sens. Richard Blumenthal, Bob Corker Introduce GAIN Act to Spur Innovation in Fighting Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

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