The new compound works differently than other antibiotics. Unlike
traditional antibiotics, Platensimycin, inhibits fatty acid synthesis, a
chemical action that provides energy to cells. Traditional antibiotics
inhibit growth of the bacteria’s cell wall.
Eric Brown, a microbiologist with McMaster University in Ontario in an
accompanying editorial said “Platensimycin is a significant new
antibacterial compound with an extraordinary mechanism." He added that
the safety and effectiveness in humans still needs to be seen.
Associated Press writer Matt Crenson says that most antibiotics are just
modifications of drugs that have been around for half a century. Matt
says that Merck researchers used a clever genetic trick to improved the
efficiency of the “drug-hunting process”.
The researchers tested fungi, plants and other natural substances
against bacteria with a genetically engineered Achilles' heel. Since
these bacteria were genetically weakened, any compound that harmed them
would show up more dramatically, thus making the best drugs easier to
identify.
Matt says the Merck scientists chose the genetic handicap carefully.
They placed the handicap in a metabolic pathway that is not attacked by
any major existing antibiotic. This ensured that they could identify
compounds that the bacteria had not yet developed a resistance to.
MRSA may not be the only disease the drug may be effective against.
HealthDay News says that Platensimycin may be an effective treatment
against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus(VRE). They report that
platensimycin, vanquished both MRSA and VRE. The complete Merck report
can be found in the May 18 issue of Nature.
Dan Wilson
Best Syndication
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