Scientist in ‘superbug’ drug breakthrough

British researchers say they have made a breakthrough in the battle against so-called superbugs which could herald more effective drugs.

A team at the John Innes Centre (JIC) in Norfolk have succeeded in harnessing bacteria found naturally in the soil to forge more effective antibiotics to combat viruses such as MRSA.

Led by Professor Tony Maxwell in conjunction with Professor Lutz Heide from the Pharmazeutisches Institut, the scientists have used bacteria found in soil called Streptomyces to tackle the superbugs.

Streptomyces are able to create antibiotics to kill bacteria in the soil, with Professor Maxwell determining a method which can modify the process for use in the manufacture of new drugs for humans.

“This work is an excellent example of the European Union at its best, combining the forces of seven labs from five different member states to carry out work that would not be possible by in lab working alone,” said Professor Maxwell.

“We are very optimistic that we can make key discoveries about these antibiotics that will help them become vital weapons in our fight against MRSA and other bacterial infections.”

The findings have been published in the latest edition of the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy journal.

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