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Development of antibacterial compounds that block essential transport function

Descripción del proyecto

Exploración de nuevos antibióticos para combatir la farmacorresistencia

La resistencia a los antibióticos constituye un serio desafío a la capacidad de combatir con eficacia las enfermedades infecciosas. Debido a la continua evolución de la farmacorresistencia, las empresas farmacéuticas afrontan incertidumbres y desafíos considerables a la hora de desarrollar nuevos antibióticos. En determinados patógenos, las proteínas desempeñan una función fundamental en la adquisición de vitaminas esenciales como única fuente. Aprovechar estructuras cristalinas innovadoras ha permitido diseñar y sintetizar moléculas capaces de inhibir alostéricamente la absorción de múltiples vitaminas. El equipo del proyecto VitaminBlock, financiado con fondos europeos, realizará ensayos y estudios integrales previos a la comercialización. El objetivo en el proyecto es responder a la necesidad imperiosa de crear antibióticos nuevos y ofrecer una vía prometedora para combatir la resistencia a los antibióticos.

Objetivo

Development of new antibiotics is crucial in future since antibiotic resistance is a rapidly growing problem, which severely threatens our ability to combat infectious diseases. Despite the numerous efforts by International Organisations and Governments, Pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to carry out the costly drug development, as the returns are uncertain and evolving drug resistance weakens their business case further. New solutions are thus called for. We have obtained fundamental insight in the mechanisms and proteins, which mediate uptake of multiple B-type vitamins that are indispensable for bacterial growth. The proteins are the only route for vitamin acquisition in many notorious pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, against which novel antibiotics are urgently needed. Based on our breakthrough crystal structures, we have designed and synthesized molecules that allosterically inhibit the uptake of multiple vitamins. This has led to the discovery of several compounds having potential as antibiotic medicines. What is exciting, our approach enables to target specific pathogens, without affecting many beneficial strains, thereby being effective without causing adverse drug events, which is a major advantage compared to the traditional antibiotics. In the Proof of Concept project, we aim to explore the potential of the compounds for drug development and test them thoroughly, for obtaining important proof for potential partners and investors. In addition, we will carry out pre-commercialisation studies aiming at perfecting the commercialisation strategy, protecting the IP ad well as strengthen the network for the best possible commercialisation outcome. Given the technological and pre-commercial proof of concept will be successful, we are expecting our approach to raise a lot of interest in Pharmaceutical industry, racing to find new ways to tackle the antimicrobial resistance.

Ámbito científico (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS clasifica los proyectos con EuroSciVoc, una taxonomía plurilingüe de ámbitos científicos, mediante un proceso semiautomático basado en técnicas de procesamiento del lenguaje natural.

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Régimen de financiación

ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

Institución de acogida

RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN
Aportación neta de la UEn
€ 150 000,00
Dirección
Broerstraat 5
9712CP Groningen
Países Bajos

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Tipo de actividad
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Enlaces
Coste total
€ 150 000,00

Beneficiarios (1)