Next Generation Antibiotics


Multiresistant-bacteria represent an unmet medical need
Currently applied antibiotics suffer from a narrow scope of protein targets leading to fast acquisition of diverse and intricate resistance strategies. Additionally, treatment is impaired by bacterial populations that either switch into a dormant persister state or form surface attached biofilm communities. Modification of existing compound classes is not a long term solution underlining the urgent need for structurally novel, resistance-free antibacterial compounds with a new mode of action.

Small molecules addressing unprecedented bacterial protein targets
In-house screening followed by chemical modification of a hit molecule led to the identification of a potent antibiotic with an unprecedented mode of action: aBA024 shows a MIC of 300 nM against various strains including MRSA, exceeding the potency of last-resort antibiotics such as vancomycin and linezolid. Moreover, it eradicates persisters and eliminates biofilms. Resistance development could not be detected. A proof-of-concept study in a mouse infection model already revealed suitable pharmacological properties including oral bioavailability and efficacy.

Team aBACTER



Former aBACTER Team Members