Breakthrough Dual-Action Antibiotic Could Halt Bacterial Resistance
University of Illinois Chicago researchers unveil macrolones, a new class of antibiotics targeting two bacterial processes simultaneously.
- Macrolones combine the mechanisms of macrolides and fluoroquinolones, disrupting protein production and DNA structure.
- Targeting both bacterial ribosomes and DNA gyrase makes it nearly impossible for bacteria to develop resistance.
- Researchers estimate the dual-action approach increases the difficulty of bacterial resistance evolution by 100 million times.
- The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing antibiotic development.
- Further optimization and development are needed before macrolones can be used in clinical settings.