Researchers put potent staph killer to the test, hope for new drug treatment
Monday, April 4, 2011 - 14:31
in Health & Medicine
The ever escalating war between evolving bacteria and antibiotics could be taking a promising turn in favor of the humans. Scientists have genetically engineered a powerful killer of one of the most dangerous bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It’s been tested on MRSA in the test tube, on infections in mice and a clinically trial has begun to probe its ability to kill MRSA infected cells from psoriasis lesions in people. Next up, per the recommendation of the FDA, is a test in minipigs. “It’s the start of a new class of drugs,” says the lead researcher, and early signs suggest it’s stronger than anything of its kind currently on the market.