Development of New Antimicrobial Agents

Yeda R&D Co. Ltd Israel flag

Israel

Abstract ID: 1590

The market size for antimicrobial agents represents 5% of the global pharmaceutical market. However, the global emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents is increasingly limiting the effectiveness of

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Introduction/Background

The market size for antimicrobial agents represents 5% of the global pharmaceutical market. However, the global emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents is increasingly limiting the effectiveness of current drugs.

Aims/Hypothesis

Novel, efficient and non-resistance-inducing antimicrobial/antibacterial agents are therefore in urgent need.

Results

Bacteria often generate genome-encoded anti-microbial peptides as a part of an arms race with competing bacteria. However, detection of such peptides is a challenging task as they evolve very fast and cannot be recognized using standard homology-based algorithms. The present invention describes a novel algorithm that scans a microbial genome and detects specific genes that kill E. coli if cloned into it. The algorithm identify genes and intergenic regions that fail to propagate in E. coli in the process of whole genome shotgun sequencing, thus creating sequencing gaps. These gaps, once considered a technical obstacle, actually contain extensive information on thousands of genes toxic to bacteria.

Conclusion

The present technology introduces a novel algorithm to sift through microbial genomes and identify genes with potential toxicity to bacteria. These genes serve as attractive candidates to possess antimicrobial properties.

Relevance/Opportunity

Please enquire quoting reference no. 1590 regarding licensing or codevelopment partnerships.

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Last Updated Jan 2014