Hybrid Drugs to Kill Nasty Bugs: Combining antibiotics to fight antimicrobial resistance

Title: Hybrid Drugs to Kill Nasty Bugs: Combining antibiotics to fight antimicrobial resistance

Speaker: Dr Anthony Verderosa, IMB

Abstract: The world is at a critical juncture, facing a pressing challenge: the depletion of antibiotics and the looming threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This global crisis carries profound implications that demand our immediate attention. By 2050, the projected impact of AMR on Australia alone could surpass a staggering $280 billion, coupled with an alarming loss of countless lives. Urgent action is imperative.

In light of this urgency, we are embarking on a mission to combat this crisis. The World Health Organization has noted a stark deficiency in the innovation of new antibiotics, undermining our battle against drug-resistant infections. To address this shortfall, we're forging a path toward the development of novel antibiotics.

One of our strategies involves the development of antibiotic-antibiotic hybrids, a pioneering approach that amalgamates various major antibiotic classes. These hybrids combine distinct mechanisms of action, resulting in an arsenal of dual-acting drugs. Over the past few years, we have meticulously crafted a range of combinations, each holding immense potential.

In this presentation, we'll explore our discoveries related to a particular group of hybrids. These hybrids are derived from the octapeptin core, an antibiotic from the polymyxin class. By synthetically linking octapeptins with other antibiotic types, we've observed compelling results that emphasise the effectiveness of our approach.

If the prospect of unravelling new avenues to combat AMR captivates your interest, we invite you to join us in exploring the outcomes of this endeavour.