The new approach comes from the John Innes Centre in Norwich, which is best known for plant science but is also strong in microbiology. A spin-out company, Procarta Biosystems, has been set up to commercialise the technology.
The researchers identified short stretches of DNA that inactivate genes responsible for antibiotic resistance in bacteria. They do not target the genes directly but attach themselves to nearby “regulatory elements” that turn the genes on and off.
“The DNA sequence acts as a decoy, disrupting gene expression and blocking resistance,” says Michael McArthur, head of the John Innes research team. “We are putting genetic information directly into drugs.”
The scientists have shown in laboratory experiments with Streptomyces bacteria that the decoy approach can defeat resistance to vancomycin, which doctors use as an “antibiotic of last resort” against the most stubborn infections. The research will be published shortly in a peer-reviewed journal.
Dr McArthur says the technology does not depend on knowing the genome of the targeted bacteria, because DNA decoys can be discovered through a screening process patented by John Innes.
The technology could be used to develop new drugs against any bacterium within a couple of years, he says. It could also give fresh commercial life to existing antibiotics; when combined with a decoy they can be patented as a new drug.
Procarta is backed by two government-supported venture capital funds: Rainbow Seed Fund, which operates nationwide, and Iceni Seedcorn Fund, which focuses on East Anglia. The company plans to carry out more development work at the John Innes Centre before seeking an alliance with a large pharmaceutical group.
According to recent reports, the cost of treating antibiotic resistant bacteria is more than $5bn (€3.4bn, £2.4bn) a year in the US alone, while 63,000 Americans a year die from resistant infections acquired in hospitals.
