The Need

Bacterial infections such as sexually transmitted diseases, meningitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), and tetanus are some of the most common infectious diseases. However, there are few drugs that can be used against all of these diseases, and several bacteria have developed resistance to many commercial antibiotics. Therefore, new drugs that can fight against multiple bacterial infections are drastically needed to improve treatment capabilities globally.

The Technology

Researchers at The Ohio State University led by Dr. Mark Mitton-Fry have developed novel bacterial type II topoisomerase inhibitors for treatment of bacterial infections. These inhibitors incorporate a novel linker that has reduced lipophilicity and reduced amine basicity. This novel linker could be easier to synthesize and be beneficial solubility/pharmacokinetic properties and enhanced safety. Examples of bacterial infections these inhibitors could treat are those cause by S. aureus, S. pyogenes, S. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, N. gonorrhoeae, and Myc. tuberculosis; it could also be used against parasites, including the malarial organism, Plasmodium falciparum.

Commercial Applications

• Antibiotic therapy - human or veterinary

Benefits/ Advantages

• Beneficial solubility/pharmacokinetic properties
• Enhanced safety
• Expected to be used against bacteria that are resistant to existing therapies