Gram-positive bacteria

Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics Presents Targeted Vaccine Approach for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis with LHNVD-301

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Science, Veterinary, Biotechnology, Research, Pharmaceutical, Health, Infectious Diseases, Clinical Trials, Pandemic, Peptide, MTB, Lung, Safety, Peptidoglycan, The Union, Serum, PGN, Immunoglobulin G, Risk, Gram-positive bacteria, Epitope, Staphylococcus aureus, ELISA, Infection, Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Vaccine, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus subtilis, Cell wall, AMR, Conference, Streptococcus, Virus, Antibody, Bacilli, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Tuberculosis, Public, TB, ICR, Bacteria, Longhorn, MD

Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics , a One Health company developing vaccines and diagnostic tools for global public health and zoonosis concerns, today presented new data from an animal study of LHNVD-301, the company’s lead tuberculosis vaccine candidate.

Key Points: 
  • Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics , a One Health company developing vaccines and diagnostic tools for global public health and zoonosis concerns, today presented new data from an animal study of LHNVD-301, the company’s lead tuberculosis vaccine candidate.
  • The data showed that a mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) vaccine could generate broader protection against other pathogens susceptible to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • LHNVD-301 is an unconjugated, peptide-based vaccine that combines a MTB heat shock protein epitope and a peptidoglycan (PGN) epitope.
  • It represents a novel approach that combats AMR, while targeting tuberculosis by combining multiple epitopes specific to MTB and common to gram-positive bacteria into a peptide vaccine.

How do bacteria actually become resistant to antibiotics?

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Survival, Urinary tract infection, Growth, Reproduction, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Gram, Antimicrobial spectrum, Health, Plasmid, Vancomycin, Gram-positive bacteria, Method, Solution, Genetic code, Enzyme, Ciprofloxacin, Environment, Erythromycin, Cell membrane, Staphylococcus, Food security, Gene, Aminoglycoside, Population, Cell wall, Patient, Gram-negative bacteria, DNA, Food preservation, Vaccine, Antibiotics, Poultry farming, Bacteria

“What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger”, originally coined by Friedrich Nietzsche in 1888, is a perfect description of how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance.

Key Points: 
  • “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger”, originally coined by Friedrich Nietzsche in 1888, is a perfect description of how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance.
  • Contrary to a common belief, antibiotic resistance is not about your body becoming resistant to antibiotics.

How bacteria adapt

  • The ability for bacteria to adapt lies in part with their astonishing rate of reproduction.
  • While most changes are bad, sometimes they can help the bacteria grow in the presence of an antibiotic.
  • This evolution of resistance can be seen by growing bacteria on a large agar plate (a nutrient support that bacteria like to grow on) with zones of increasing antibiotic levels.

They also exchange genetic material

  • The other key mechanism enabling bacterial resistance is the exchange of genetic information between bacteria.
  • In addition to the main chunk of DNA that encodes the bacterial genome, bacteria can host circular DNA snippets called plasmids.
  • Plasmid exchange usually occurs by direct physical contact between bacteria.

4 ways bacteria resist

  • Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus have a thick cell wall enclosing a lipid membrane.
  • Antibiotics can hijack these entry routes, but bacteria can modify the cell wall, cell membrane and entry proteins to block antibiotic penetration.
  • For example, bacteria increase the thickness of the cell wall to resist antibiotics like vancomycin.
  • Bacteria have machinery known as efflux pumps, which regurgitate unwanted molecules from within the bacteria.
  • Bacteria can alter the pump so it is more effective at removing the antibiotic, or they can simply make more pumps.
  • Antibiotics, like most other drugs, generally work by blocking the function of important enzymes within the bacteria.
  • If bacteria alter the target shape by changing the DNA/protein sequence, the antibiotic (key) can no longer bind to its target (lock).

Bacteria vs antibiotics

  • While bacteria have developed mechanisms to resist antibiotics, these adaptations can come at a “fitness” cost.
  • Bacteria may grow more slowly, or can be killed more easily by another antibiotic.
  • This has led to the concept of “collateral sensitivity” to prevent or overcome resistance when treating patients, by using pairs of antibiotics.


Mark Blaskovich receives funding from a range of government, not-for-profit and commercial organisations for research into antibiotic discovery and development. He is affiliated with AAMRNet (Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network), an organisation promoting improved care and development of antibiotics and antibiotic alternatives.

Basilea announces exclusive license and option agreement for potential first-in-class clinical-stage antibacterial agent

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
KOSDAQ, Trial of the century, South Korea, MSSA, Bacteriophage, Biofilm, Intron, Gram-positive bacteria, Infection, Virus, Exercise, Biotechnology, A-DNA, Antimalarial medication, MRSA, LR, Bacteria, Korea, Patient, Death, Pharmaceutical industry, Vaccine, Basel, Allschwil

Tonabacase is a potential first-in-class clinical-stage antibacterial of the endolysin class.

Key Points: 
  • Tonabacase is a potential first-in-class clinical-stage antibacterial of the endolysin class.
  • Over the course of 2024, Basilea will investigate various hypotheses in a number of preclinical studies to determine the optimal future clinical development program for tonabacase.
  • Upon successful completion of the preclinical evaluation phase, Basilea will have the exclusive option to license tonabacase for further clinical development and commercialization.
  • This transaction has no impact on Basilea’s financial guidance for 2023, provided on August 15, 2023.

Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics to Present Data on Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Vaccine Candidate, LHNVD-301, at The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2023

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Science, Other Science, Research, Medical Supplies, General Health, Health, Infectious Diseases, Other Health, The Union, Vaccine, TB, Gram-positive bacteria, International Workshop on Lung Health, Conference, Union, Lung, Public, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Tuberculosis, Drug resistance, Longhorn, Peptidoglycan

Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics , a One Health company developing vaccines and diagnostic tools for global public health and zoonosis concerns, will present new data from an animal study of LHNVD-301, the company’s tuberculosis vaccine candidate, at The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2023.

Key Points: 
  • Longhorn Vaccines and Diagnostics , a One Health company developing vaccines and diagnostic tools for global public health and zoonosis concerns, will present new data from an animal study of LHNVD-301, the company’s tuberculosis vaccine candidate, at The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2023.
  • The ePoster will be presented as a part of TBScience 2023, a dedicated event focused on basic and translational tuberculosis (TB) research.
  • LHNVD-301 is an unconjugated, peptide-based vaccine that combines Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein and Peptidoglycan to generate broad reactive antibodies.
  • ePoster Session Title: TB within the Global AMR fight: preventing drug resistance
    Over the last 53 years, the Union World Conference on Lung Health has presented the latest scientific research in all aspects of lung health, including implementation of evidence-based health policies and decisions.

Introducing Renovar™ Advanced Skin and Wound Solution, a proven and versatile solution used for the treatment, debridement, moisturization, and healing promotion of various wound types.

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 22, 2023
Contraindication, Infection, Oxygen, Skin, Risk, HRP, Irritation, Growth, Gram-positive bacteria, History, Wound healing, Nursing, Risk management

YORK, Pa., Sept. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, HR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the introduction of Renovar™ Advanced Skin and Wound Solution, a non-sensitizing, ready-to-use solution clinicians can use for all wound healing phases. Renovar features HOClean™ Technology, a super-oxidized solution that increases the flow of oxygen to the wound bed and speeds up the healing process by 33%. With no known contraindications or side effects, Renovar is safe for cleansing the wound, relieving irritation, and reducing the risk of infection.

Key Points: 
  • Renovar is a fast-acting, non-cytotoxic, antimicrobial advanced wound care solution that helps keep the wound bed clean and free of contaminates and debris, essential for wound healing without infection.
  • Renovar features HOClean™ Technology, a super-oxidized solution that increases the flow of oxygen to the wound bed and speeds up the healing process by 33%.
  • Renovar Skin and Wound Solution is clinically proven to provide at least a 99.9% reduction of most microorganisms.
  • To learn more about the Renovar™ Advanced Skin and Wound Solution product offering, visit http://renovarwoundcare.com/.

MicuRx receives FDA Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track Designation for Contezolid and Contezolid acefosamil

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 22, 2023
Priority review, Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act, Innovation Act, IV, Prevalence, Amputation, Diabetes, QIDP, Methicillin, S. aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Infection, Act, MRSA, NDA, Fast Track, Osteomyelitis, ABSSSI, GAIN, Diabetic foot infection, Patient, Ulcer, Disease, DFI, Mortality, Toxic shock syndrome, Bacteria, FDA, Regulation of food and dietary supplements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Gram-positive bacteria, Food, Pharmaceutical industry, FDASIA

Oral contezolid and intravenous (IV) contezolid acefosamil are currently being studied in a global Phase 3 clinical trial in treatment of patients with DFI.

Key Points: 
  • Oral contezolid and intravenous (IV) contezolid acefosamil are currently being studied in a global Phase 3 clinical trial in treatment of patients with DFI.
  • Both products were previously granted QIDP designation and Fast Track status in 2018 for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI).
  • With excellent microbiological activity against common Gram-positive bacteria, contezolid and contezolid acefosamil are well positioned to benefit DFI patients, particularly due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
  • "We believe that MicuRx can offer an important new choice for DFI treatment with flexibility of oral and IV formulations."

COPPER-INFUSED SOLID SURFACE KILLS DRUG-RESISTANT FUNGUS PLAGUING NURSING HOMES

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 14, 2023
Infection, Life, Bloodstream infections, Health, Candida auris, Nursing, Work, Copper, Patient, Risk, Mortality, Bacteria, Hand, Gram-positive bacteria, Spore, Caregiver, Auris, Vaccine, Pharmaceutical industry

NORFOLK, Va., Aug. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past decade, an emerging threat has affected America's 1.3 million nursing home residents: Candida auris, a fungus that causes dangerous, often fatal, bloodstream infections. From the first case in 2013, this fungus is now the cause of over 2,300 cases, with a mortality rate of 30-60%. i This high death rate is due in part its resistance to all first-line antifungal treatments as well as many treatments of last resort. Candida auris is also extremely difficult to eradicate from surfaces, where it can live (and reproduce) for many weeks, all the while releasing spores.ii Even after cleaning, surfaces become recontaminated after only 2 hours, long before the next cleaning takes place. iii

Key Points: 
  • From the first case in 2013, this fungus is now the cause of over 2,300 cases, with a mortality rate of 30-60%.
  • iii
    While nursing homes (and other healthcare facilities) are working hard and doing their best to keep the fungus at bay with traditional cleaning methods, those efforts are not making enough of a difference.
  • This fungus is hardy, resistant, and requires only small exposures to lead to a life-threatening infection.
  • Testing results show EOScu kills 99.992% of Candida auris colonies and spores in under 2 hours, a 5.25 Log reduction.

Aridis Receives Agreement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the Clinical Study Design and a Single Confirmatory Phase 3 Study of AR-301

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 17, 2023
Aureus, Gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus, CAP, European Medicines Agency, SOC, S, Staphylococcus aureus, Trial of the century, EMA, US, Standard of care, Patient, VAP, Immune system, LOS, HAP, FDA, Pneumonia, Vaccine, Pharmaceutical industry

Agreement to the proposed expansion of the confirmatory Phase 3 study in S. aureus ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) patients to include S. aureus pneumonia in ventilated hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilated community acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients.

Key Points: 
  • Agreement to the proposed expansion of the confirmatory Phase 3 study in S. aureus ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) patients to include S. aureus pneumonia in ventilated hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilated community acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients.
  • Agreement on Clinical Cure of pneumonia on Day 21 as the primary efficacy endpoint, as in the first Phase 3 study ‘AR-301-002’.
  • “We are particularly gratified to reach concurrence, first with the FDA, and now with the EMA on the overall study design, endpoints, and patient populations,” said Aridis CEO Vu Truong.
  • “This provides for a globally harmonized clinical study and regulatory pathway to bring AR-301 to patients with high vulnerabilities to Staph.

Paratek Pharmaceuticals Presenting New Data from NUZYRA® (omadacycline) and Investigator-Initiated Research Programs at ASM Microbe 2023

Retrieved on: 
Monday, June 12, 2023
Post-exposure prophylaxis, Public, Infection, George R. Brown Convention Center, ASM, Brain, Government, Immunodeficiency, Gram-positive bacteria, Skin, Vaccine, Paint, Nocardia

BOSTON, June 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRTK), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel life-saving therapies for life-threatening diseases and other public health threats for civilian, government and military use, today announces that new data from studies with NUZYRA® (omadacycline) will be presented at ASM Microbe 2023 conference.

Key Points: 
  • BOSTON, June 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRTK), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel life-saving therapies for life-threatening diseases and other public health threats for civilian, government and military use, today announces that new data from studies with NUZYRA® (omadacycline) will be presented at ASM Microbe 2023 conference.
  • The hybrid conference will be held June 15-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.
  • View ASM Microbe scientific program here .
  • “Presentations at ASM Microbe provide data from two key studies that further explore the potential of NUZYRA as an option for the treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis in the event of an anthrax bioterror attack,” said Randy Brenner, chief development and regulatory officer of Paratek.

Aridis Receives Agreement from the FDA on a Single Confirmatory Phase 3 Study of AR-301 and the Clinical Study Design

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
LOS, HAP, FDA, Gram-positive bacteria, Standard of care, SOC, S. aureus, VAP, Pneumonia, Patient, Staphylococcus aureus, CAP, Pharmaceutical industry

FDA agreed to the proposed expansion of the confirmatory Phase 3 study in S. aureus ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) patients to include ventilated hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilated community acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients.

Key Points: 
  • FDA agreed to the proposed expansion of the confirmatory Phase 3 study in S. aureus ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) patients to include ventilated hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilated community acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients.
  • The clinical efficacy endpoint will be the same endpoint of Clinical Cure of pneumonia on Day 21 used in the previous Phase 3 superiority trial AR-301-002.
  • The confirmatory AR-301-003 Phase 3 superiority study will be powered for efficacy in both the primary efficacy endpoint in adults ≥65 years of age, and for the key secondary efficacy endpoint in all study subjects (≥65 and “We are particularly gratified to reach concurrence with the FDA on the overall study design, endpoints, and patient populations,” said Aridis CEO Vu Truong.
  • “This provides a clear clinical and regulatory pathway to bring AR-301 to patients with high unmet medical needs and enhances the opportunity for potential pharma partners.”