To combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) has teamed up with the Department of Health and Human Services (VWS) to allocate 4.53 million euros to five cutting-edge research projects.
These initiatives were launched under the “Antibial Drugs in the Preclinical Pipeline” programme and aim to accelerate the development of new antimicrobial therapies over the next six years.
Why this research is important
Antibiotics are essential in modern medicine, from treating infectious diseases to enabling procedures such as chemotherapy and organ transplantation.
However, the surprising increase in antibiotic resistance can undermine these life-saving treatments.
Without effective options, once managed infections can become fatal. This funding initiative will encourage collaboration between researchers, health professionals and industry leaders to find innovative solutions.
Innovative projects that lead the price
The awarded project draws on cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements in pioneering new therapies to focus on various aspects of antibiotic resistance.
1. Targeting LSPA: A New Approach to Bacterial Inhibition
Researchers at Liiden University, led by Dr. Ni Martin, are working with Vrije University Amsterdam and private partners to target the bacterial enzyme LSPA, essential for gram-negative pathogens but not present in humans.
By developing inhibitors of this enzyme, they aim to create highly effective and safe antibiotics for human use.
2. Safer Antibiotics: Reduced Renal Toxicity of Teisobactin
At Utrecht University, Dr. MH Weingarth is leading a project focused on optimizing the promising antibiotic, Teixobactin, by reducing its nephrotoxicity.
By integrating medical chemistry, nephrotoxicity expertise and structural biology, researchers seek to enhance the drug’s safety profile and minimize potential kidney damage.
3. Priority: Unlock new antibiotic candidates with AI
Leiden University is at the forefront of priority projects under the guidance of GP Dr. Van Wesel. It explores previously undiscovered “chemical spaces” by leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced analytical techniques.
By identifying a new antibiotic family from actinomycete, the initiative aims to ensure equitable access to future antibiotics around the world.
4. AI-driven design of antibacterial peptides
At Wageningen University and Research, Professor MH Medema and his team combine deep active learning with biosynthetic engineering to create new, improved peptide antibiotics.
By refinement of pharmacological properties, scientists aim to develop more effective treatments for resistant bacterial strains.
5. Endolysin-based implants to combat joint infections
The team at Acta Amsterdam, led by Dr. Ma Hoogenkamp, is developing bacteria-derived endolysin therapy delivered via lipid nanocaria.
This alternative treatment is designed to combat joint infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria, a major problem in patients receiving hip or knee implants in the Netherlands.
Global steps to overcome antibiotic resistance
These five projects illustrate key steps in the global battle against antibiotic resistance.
By promoting international cooperation between universities, hospitals, private companies and private organizations, the initiative will strengthen efforts to develop safer and more effective antibiotics.
If successful, these innovations will help reconstruct the future of medicine and prevent the looming crisis of untreated bacterial infections.
With antibiotic resistance continuing to rise, investment in groundbreaking research is more important than ever. The Dutch Research Council’s commitment to pioneering solutions provides hope for a future in which antibiotic-resistant infections can be effectively managed and treated.
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