New Class Antibiotics Discovered – A significant milestone
McMaster Researchers Unveil New Class of Antibiotics to Fight Drug-Resistant Bacteria
For the first time in nearly 30 years, researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new class of antibiotics that could revolutionize the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections. The newly identified molecule, lariocidin, offers fresh hope in the global battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which claims an estimated 4.5 million lives each year.
Gerry Wright, a professor in McMaster’s Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and a researcher at the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, explained, “Our old drugs are becoming less and less effective as bacteria become more and more resistant to them.” He also states that “About 4.5 million people die every year due to antibiotic-resistant infections, and it’s only getting worse.” This led to the need to discover a new class of antibiotics. The entire discovery journal is published in Nature on March 26, 2025.
A Game-Changer in Antibiotic Research
A new drug called Lariocidin, which belongs to the Lasso peptides group, Wright and his team found that this antibiotic attacks the bacteria differently than other antibiotics. The direct binding of the antibiotic to the protien machinery of the bacteria was found to be different compared to others, halting the growth and survival of the bacteria. This antibiotic helps in overcoming antibiotic-resistant bacteria by its unique mode of action against bacteria.
Wright states that this innovation “Is a big leap forward for us and could be a game-changer in addressing the antibiotic resistance crisis.”
How did they discover this antibiotic?
It was extracted from a soil sample taken from Hamilton’s backyard. This soil sample had contained a previously overlooked bacterium called Paenibacillus. Wright and his team found that Paenibacillus produced a compound when it grew in the lab for a year, which showed a remarkable antibacterial effect.
“When we figured out how this new molecule kills other bacteria, it was a breakthrough moment,” said Manoj Jangra, a postdoctoral fellow in Wright’s lab.
Why is Lariocidin Promising?
The results have shown remarkable activity of the antibiotic, which is highly effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Lariocidin has unique features:
- Mechanism of action: It decreases the antibiotic resistance of bacteria by attacking them using a different target.
- Toxicity: It is not toxic to human cells, according to clinical studies.
- Effective in Animal models: It showed a strong efficacy in treating infections in animal models.
Wright mentioned, “It’s not just another antibiotic—it’s a potential weapon against some of the toughest bacteria we face today.”
Urgent Need to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the greatest threats to global health, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that without new antibiotics, the world could face a future where minor infections become deadly.
“Our old drugs are becoming less and less effective as bacteria evolve,” Wright explained. “We desperately need new antibiotics that work differently, and lariocidin shows immense promise.”
Next Steps To be taken is from the Lab to the Clinic
While the discovery is groundbreaking, the journey from lab to clinic is far from over. Wright and his team are now working to modify the molecule and enhance its properties for use in humans. One major hurdle is producing large quantities of lariocidin, as bacteria naturally produce the molecule in tiny amounts.
“Bacteria aren’t interested in making new drugs for us,” Wright joked. “So now we’re focused on engineering the molecule to improve its effectiveness and scalability for clinical use.”
The next development phase involves optimizing the molecule’s structure, enhancing its stability, and ensuring its effectiveness in treating various infections. Wright anticipates that with adequate funding and collaboration, lariocidin could enter clinical trials within the next three to five years.
Potential Impact on Global Health
If successful, lariocidin could provide a powerful new tool to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, especially those caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and other multidrug-resistant pathogens.
“This discovery is not just about finding a new antibiotic,” Wright emphasized. “It’s about giving humanity a fighting chance against one of the greatest public health threats of our time.”
As the world grapples with the rising tide of antibiotic resistance, lariocidin offers a much-needed glimmer of hope—an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of the global antimicrobial crisis.
