An antibiotic against MRSA and other infections (IPP-203101)
Background
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has increased leading to the spread of certain lethal infections, such as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), that are often acquired in hospitals during operations and other procedures. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, two million people a year become ill from hospital-acquired infections, of whom about 90,000 die.
ImmuPharma's compound
ImmuPharma has discovered a novel antibiotic based on the fact that bacterial (and other organisms) have an electric charge on the cell membranes whereas human cells do not. IPP-203101 is a peptide-based antibiotic that can carry electrical charges to disrupt the membranes of bacteria. While bacteria are very efficient in mutating and creating resistance to antibiotics, ImmuPharma’s novel approach is not anticipated to create resistance since bacteria are not expected to be able to modify their basic physical characteristics. IPP-203101 is expected to be an intravenous, once a day (and potentially once a week) treatment. The US Food and Drug Administration may permit a fast track development and approval process.
