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## A new powerful antibiotic: Clovibactin and its mechanism

A new powerful antibiotic called Clovibactin has been discovered by researchers from Utrecht University, Bonn University, the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Northeastern University of Boston, and NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals. This antibiotic has the potential to combat harmful bacteria and even multi-resistant ‘superbugs’. The findings of the research team have been published in the scientific journal Cell.

## The urgency for new antibiotics and the challenge of discovery

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant problem for human health, necessitating the search for new solutions. Dr. Markus Weingarth, a researcher from Utrecht University, emphasizes the urgent need for new antibiotics to address bacteria that are becoming increasingly resistant to clinically used antibiotics. However, the discovery of new antibiotics presents a challenge as few new antibiotics have been introduced in the past few decades, often resembling older antibiotics already known.

## The uniqueness of Clovibactin

Unlike most new antibiotics, Clovibactin is different and offers a unique approach. It was isolated from bacteria that could not be grown before, giving pathogenic bacteria no previous exposure to such an antibiotic and no opportunity to develop resistance. This distinct feature sets Clovibactin apart from other antibiotics currently available.

## The breakthrough in discovering Clovibactin

Clovibactin was discovered by NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals and Prof. Kim Lewis from Northeastern University, Boston. These researchers developed a device called iCHip, capable of growing ‘bacterial dark matter’, referring to unculturable bacteria previously impossible to grow in laboratories. Through the use of this device, Clovibactin was found in a bacterium isolated from sandy soil in North Carolina.

## Clovibactin’s effectiveness and target spectrum

In the joint publication in Cell, NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals showcased Clovibactin’s successful attack on a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens. It was also demonstrated to be effective in treating mice infected with the superbug Staphylococcus aureus. The research conducted by Prof. Tanja Schneider from the University of Bonn showed that Clovibactin targets not just one, but three precursor molecules essential for bacterial cell wall construction.

## Clovibactin’s unique mechanism

Dr. Markus Weingarth’s research team from Utrecht University unraveled Clovibactin’s mechanism using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This technique allowed them to study the antibiotic’s mechanism under conditions similar to those found in bacteria. They discovered that Clovibactin forms a cage-like structure around the pyrophosphate, a part of cell wall precursors. This cage encapsulates its target, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance. Furthermore, Clovibactin self-assembles into stable fibrils on bacterial membranes, ensuring that target molecules remain sequestered long enough to kill bacteria.

## The potential of Clovibactin for improved therapeutics

Clovibactin’s selectivity in binding to bacterial membranes and not human membranes is what prevents toxicity to human cells. This unique feature makes Clovibactin a promising candidate for the development of improved therapeutics that can kill bacterial pathogens without leading to resistance development.

AI legalese decoder can play a vital role in this situation by analyzing and interpreting the legal documents associated with the discovery and patenting of Clovibactin. It can help researchers and pharmaceutical companies navigate the legal complexities and ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to protect this breakthrough antibiotic. With its ability to comprehend and decode legalese, AI legalese decoder can save time and effort in understanding the legal framework surrounding the development and commercialization of Clovibactin.

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