Breakthrough in antibiotic research: New hope against resistant bacteria!

Breakthrough in antibiotic research: New hope against resistant bacteria!

The Justus Liebig University of Giessen (JLU) and Infex Therapeutics have received over one million euros in funding as part of the PACE program (Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy). This was announced on March 9, 2025. The aim of the project is to develop an innovative BamA inhibitor to combat multi-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

BamA represents a specific target structure for these bacteria that was long considered difficult to attack. The inhibitor of BamA could make it possible to fight bacterial infections more efficiently by weakening the bacteria. In this context, Prof. Dr. Till Schäberle from JLU works closely with Infex Therapeutics to optimize manufacturing processes and further develop existing lead structures.

Urgency and challenges in the field of antibiotics

The need for new antibiotics is urgent. The multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria pose a significant threat to public health, as well PubMed is noted. Antibiotic resistance has led to an increase in hospitalizations and deaths, particularly in infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. The last new class of antibiotics specifically effective against these pathogens was introduced over 60 years ago.

The program funding aims to optimize active molecules that are effective against pathogens such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These pathogens are resistant to many common antibiotics, including β-lactam antibiotics. The PACE Initiative was launched in 2023 to support innovative research in this critical area and increase the chances of success for antimicrobial innovations.

Mechanisms and future research

BamA plays a crucial role in the function of Gram-negative bacteria as it is responsible for the folding and insertion of transmembrane β-barrel proteins. A report vfa.de According to them, the antibiotic darobactin was identified, which mainly interacts with the protein structure of BamA. This interaction could complicate future bacterial resistance to darobactin.

The efficiency of darobactin could be adjusted through targeted mutations at the binding site of BamA in such a way that the development of resistance is further minimized. Understanding these mechanisms is key to developing more effective antibiotics against resistant pathogens.

Dr. Clive Mason, PACE program director, highlights the importance of the collaboration between JLU and Infex Therapeutics and emphasizes how important this research is for combating antimicrobial resistance.