New Antibiotics that Overcome Resistance

New compounds that are synthetic analogues of tetracycline have been altered to foil bacterial resistance mechanisms while retaining potent antibacterial activity.

The compounds are chemical cousins of known tetracyclines that have been altered to thwart efflux pumps and ribosomal protection mechanisms. Bacteria use the efflux pumps like a revolving door, sending antibiotics on their way before taking effect. The ribosomal protection mechanism builds a shield around the target of tetracycline activity, the ribosome, the protein-making machinery of the cell. Both mechanisms keep tetracyclines from reaching their target.

The compounds were developed by Paratak Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Boston, MA, USA) and submitted to its research collaborator, GlaxoSmithKline (London, UK), for further development. Paratek will work with GlaxoSmithKline on additional testing to narrow the field and identify the final compounds that will go on to preclinical development and testing.

"Because the actions of tetracyclines are well-known and the molecules generally well-tolerated, we hope that the preclinical stage will lead rapidly to the start of a clinical trial program,” noted Allan Baxter, senior vice president, drug discovery, GlaxoSmithKline.



Related Links:
Glaxosmithkline
Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc.