New compound found to be effective against 'flesh-eating' bacteria

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a new compound, GmPcide, that shows effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria, including those responsible for severe infections like necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as "flesh-eating" disease. This compound could represent a new class of antibiotics, addressing the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. The study, published in Science Advances, demonstrated that GmPcide effectively cleared bacterial infections in mice, significantly improving their health metrics compared to untreated subjects. The compound targets various pathogenic bacteria, including strains that cause drug-resistant staph infections and toxic shock syndrome.

The research team, led by Scott Hultgren, Michael Caparon, and Fredrik Almqvist, initially aimed to create a compound to prevent bacterial biofilms on catheters but discovered its broader antimicrobial properties. GmPcides were found to disrupt bacterial cell membranes, increasing their permeability and reducing their virulence, which aids in faster healing of infected tissues. Importantly, the compound appears to have a low potential for developing drug-resistant strains.

While the path to clinical application remains long, the researchers have patented GmPcide and licensed it to QureTech Bio for further development. This interdisciplinary collaboration highlights the need for innovative solutions to combat the rising threat of multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections, which pose significant health risks globally.