Novozymes has discovered plectasin, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that acts on bacterial infections that have developed resistance to conventional antibiotics.

Plectasin is not only as effective as traditional antibiotics, it also acts on bacterial infections that have developed resistance to existing types of antibiotic. It even acts on bacteria responsible for a disease like pneumonia. The groundbreaking results have been published in the October 13 issue of the internationally renowned scientific journal Nature, informs a company release.

"Antimicrobial peptides are a new tool to fight infections. Our initial tests show that even bacteria that are resistant to conventional antibiotics can be treated successfully with plectasin. As the dangers of antibiotics resistance continue to grow throughout the world, it is important to constantly look for new substances and methods to combat potentially deadly infections," said Per Falholt, Novozymes' executive vice president for Research & Development.

Plectasin was identified in 2002, where Novozymes applied for a central patent followed up by applications for patents in 22 countries.

Other companies have sought to identify an AMP for clinical use. With plectasin, Novozymes found a previously unknown AMP that is not subject to the problems that often characterise AMPs. Unlike other clinically tested AMPs, plectasin can be tolerated in high doses, supposedly be administered intravenously and effectively treat systemic infections.

The development of plectasin research is at a very early preclinical phase. Further development and commercialisation depends on whether Novozymes attracts the right partner from the pharmaceutical industry. A product will typically reach the market in 8-10 years dependent on a concrete partnership agreement.