First new antibiotic in 30 years

Scientists in America and Germany have combined to produce from previously uncultured soil bacteria a new antibiotic called Teixobactin which can kill many bacteria as quickly as established antibiotics and can cure laboratory mice suffering from bacterial infections without toxic effects.

In addition it has excellent activity against drug resistant strains such as S.Aureus, Clostridium difficile, enterococci and M. tuberculosis. Resistance has not developed to the compound as it targets polymer precursors of cell walls rather than proteins as done by other antibiotics. Whilst tests in mice are very promising Teixobactin has not yet been tested in humans where it might not be as effective as well as having toxic side effects. However there is now hope of developing a compound to which bacteria will not become resistant. Nature pub on line DOI:10.1038/nature14098