Redefining The Scope of Antibiotics Through Innovative R&D

This time bomb is ticking fast, threatening to rip apart the core of modern medicine. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has unleashed deadly strains of bacteria, making even common infections life-threatening. The WHO's warning that "many common infections will no longer have a cure and, once again, could kill unabated" is sounding even more ominous today, with these "superbugs" having developed immunity even against the strongest of antibiotics over the years in a phenomenon commonly referred to as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Though we have 15 classes of antibiotics, the acceleration of bacterial resistance surpasses the rate of new antibiotic development, casting a shadow over our future. The global drug development pipeline is parched as antibiotic research is often seen as unprofitable due to the short duration of use, long research span, and high R&D costs. This situation necessitates an urgent call to action to invigorate the development of innovative solutions to extend the shelf life and enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.

Amidst this dire situation, many R&D-focused pharmaceutical companies are dedicating their expertise to combat AMR. Venus Remedies is at the forefront of this battle against superbugs that we simply cannot afford to lose. Many of our superbug-tackling solutions, including last-resort antibiotics like Elores, provide effective solutions against third-generation cephalosporin and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria. Elores leverages an innovative strategy by employing Antibiotic Resistance Breakers (ARBs), non-antibiotic moieties which, in combination with antibiotics, enhance the antimicrobial activity of the drugs and help overcome resistance barriers. This approach offers a complementary solution to new antibiotic discovery and can significantly suppress the emergence of resistance.

While Elores has already helped millions of patients around the world, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to most last-line antibiotics. In response, we are now developing a Renal Guard technology that aims to significantly reduce the nephrotoxicity associated with polymyxin antibiotics, currently the last line of defence in the fight against drug-resistant infections. A safer polymyxin antibiotic would be a tremendous enabler for the medical community and the research fraternity by bridging the gap between the best available therapy and the time and economic reforms required to bring the next breakthrough antibiotic therapy to the market.

Technologies like Renal Guard could redefine the economics of antibacterial drug development, offering a viable way to bring innovative solutions to patients while maintaining drug affordability. By fostering a sustainable antibiotic research ecosystem, these technologies could enable critical progress in healthcare, significantly improving patient outcomes.

This grave challenge of AMR calls for global solidarity and action. As we navigate this complex landscape, it is crucial to focus on innovative strategies that not only bring forth new antibiotics but also optimize and enhance our existing arsenal. After all, the stakes are high with the future of human health in jeopardy.

(The writer is President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies Ltd, and CEO, Venus Medicine Research Centre)