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Hamilton, Ontario – March 26, 2025 – In a landmark discovery that could reshape the future of medicine, researchers at McMaster University have identified a completely new class of antibiotics, offering hope against the growing threat of drug-resistant bacteria. The breakthrough, detailed in a study published today in the journal Nature, marks a significant advancement in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, a global health crisis highlighted by the World Health Organization.
Led by Professor Gerry Wright of the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University, the team identified a novel molecule, dubbed lariocidin, which demonstrates potent antibacterial activity against even the most resistant strains of bacteria. This discovery comes nearly three decades since the last new class of antibiotics reached the market, addressing a critical need for innovative antimicrobial solutions.
“Our old drugs are becoming less and less effective as bacteria become more and more resistant to them,” stated Professor Wright. “About 4.5 million people die every year due to antibiotic-resistant infections, and it’s only going to get worse.”
Lariocidin, a lasso peptide, operates through a unique mechanism, binding directly to a bacterium’s protein synthesis machinery in a way that differs from existing antibiotics. This novel mode of action inhibits bacterial growth and survival, offering a promising avenue to combat infections that have become impervious to conventional treatments.
“This is a new molecule with a new mode of action,” Wright emphasized. “It’s a big leap forward.”
The molecule was isolated from Paenibacillus, a bacterium found in a soil sample collected from a backyard in Hamilton. The research team’s meticulous approach, allowing the soil bacteria to grow in a laboratory setting for approximately a year, enabled them to identify slow-growing species that might have otherwise been overlooked.
Dr. Manoj Jangra, a postdoctoral fellow in Wright’s lab, described the moment of discovery as a “breakthrough,” noting the molecule’s unique ability to kill other bacteria, including those resistant to existing antibiotics.
Further studies have revealed that lariocidin exhibits several promising characteristics: it is non-toxic to human cells, not susceptible to existing antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and effective in animal models of infection.
The team is now focused on modifying the molecule and scaling up production to facilitate clinical development. However, Professor Wright cautioned that significant time and resources will be required before lariocidin is ready for market. “The initial discovery – the big a-ha! moment – was astounding for us, but now the real hard work begins,” Wright said. “We’re working on ripping this molecule apart and putting it back together again to make it a better drug candidate.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided and should not be taken as medical advice. The development of new antibiotics is a complex and lengthy process, and the findings described are in early stages. While lariocidin shows promise, further research and clinical trials are necessary to determine its safety and efficacy for human use. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of any particular treatment or product.
