Fighting antibiotic resistance—strategies and (pre)clinical developments to find new antibacterials

• Published in: EMBO reports Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. e56033 - n/a
• Main Authors: Walesch, Sebastian, Birkelbach, Joy, Jézéquel, Gwenaëlle, Haeckl, F P Jake, Hegemann, Julian D, Hesterkamp, Thomas, Hirsch, Anna K H, Hammann, Peter, Müller, Rolf
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 09.01.2023; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; antibacterial pipeline; Antibiotic resistance; Antibiotics; Antimicrobial agents; antimicrobial resistance; Bacteria - genetics; Biological Products; Drug development; Drug Discovery; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; innovation; Natural products; preclinical and clinical pipeline; Review; innovation; antibacterial pipeline; antimicrobial resistance; antibiotics; preclinical and clinical pipeline
• ISSN: 1469-221X; 1469-3178
• DOI: 10.15252/embr.202256033

Antibacterial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health. The development of new therapeutics against bacterial pathogens has slowed drastically since the approvals of the first antibiotics in the early and mid‐20th century. Most of the currently investigated drug leads are modifications of approved antibacterials, many of which are derived from natural products. In this review, we highlight the challenges, advancements and current standing of the clinical and preclinical antibacterial research pipeline. Additionally, we present novel strategies for rejuvenating the discovery process and advocate for renewed and enthusiastic investment in the antibacterial discovery pipeline. Antibacterial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health. This review highlights the challenges, advancements and current standing of the clinical and preclinical antibacterial research pipeline.