Research Terms
Molecular Genetics Bacteriology Molecular Biology Biomedicine Infectious Diseases Tuberculosis
Industries
Researchers at the University of Central Florida and the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg have identified gold (III) compounds that demonstrate antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab). The identified compounds could potentially be used to treat infections such as tuberculosis (TB), TB-like pulmonary infections, and soft-tissue and wound infections. The compounds may also be effective against drug-resistant strains of mycobacteria.
The research team is looking for partners to further develop the technology for commercialization.
Preclinical
Researchers at the University of Central Florida and Southern Methodist University have developed novel carbapenem antibiotics that exhibit enhanced activity against drug-resistant strains of mycobacterial species, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Micobacterium abscessus (Mabs). The narrow-spectrum carbapenems selectively target mycobacterial L, D-transpeptidases. In contrast to broad spectrum carbapenem antibiotics, treatment with these carbapenems may have less adverse effects on the microbiome. A structural modification at the C5 position endows the new carbapenems with improved potency and selectivity.
The invention developed by researchers at the University of Central Florida and the University of Toledo consists of new compound derivatives to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) infections. The derivatives are related to the known compounds (+)-Puupehenone and (+)-ent-Chromazonarol, both naturally occurring products. The new compound derivatives 1) inhibit both the growth and toxin production of C. difficile and 2) inhibit the growth and survival of both replicating and dormant M. tuberculosis in vitro.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is seeking partners for licensing and/or research collaboration.
