Researchers from McMaster University have discovered a new antibiotic—lariocidin—belonging to the class of lasso peptides. This marks the first discovery of a new antibiotic class in 30 years, a critical breakthrough amid rising bacterial resistance to existing drugs. Lariocidin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, preventing growth and reproduction. It was isolated from Paenibacillus bacteria found in a soil sample.
Scientists cultivated these bacteria in the lab for a year, allowing them to detect even slow-growing microorganisms. Experiments revealed that lariocidin exhibits strong antibacterial activity, including against antibiotic-resistant strains. Moreover, it demonstrated effectiveness in animal models and was found to be non-toxic to human cells.
The key advantage of lariocidin is its unique mode of action, which makes it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance. This makes it a promising candidate for further research. However, before it can reach the market, scientists must develop methods for large-scale production and conduct clinical trials.
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