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A research team has discovered an all-new class of antibiotics that could, if it proves successful down the line, improve our ability to address some of the most drug-resistant bacteria in the world, as antimicrobial resistance continues to rise globally. The new molecule, lariocidin, attacks bacteria distinctly from other antibiotics by inhibiting bacteria’s ability to grow and survive. Lariocidin is also not toxic to human cells, not susceptible to existing mechanisms or antibiotic resistance, and it works well in an animal model of infection, underscoring its potential to be a gamechanger in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, although years of further research are still needed.
Scientists from the Institut Pasteur, in collaboration with Kumamoto University, have assessed a new rapid diagnostic test to identify pregnant women at elevated risk of transmitting Hepatitis B to their babies, which could help eliminate mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B during childbirth, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Hepatitis B is a leading cause of death globally and particularly affects resource-limited countries. While vaccination is available, available antiviral therapies do not provide a cure and existing tests can be costly and require specialized equipment that is often unavailable in these settings. The new test is highly effective, inexpensive to produce, easy to use, does not require electricity, can be used in higher temperatures, and provides results in 45 minutes, making it ideal for integration into routine antenatal care in decentralized, resource-limited settings.
A recently published paper identified a novel method for delivering drugs in higher doses with less pain that could offer a better way to deliver long-lasting contraception or other drugs that need to be given over extended periods. The project, which began as part of a Gates Foundation-funded effort to expand contraceptive options, particularly in low-resource settings, created a new method of injecting drugs formulated into tiny crystals that can last for months or even years in the body. There are similar drug delivery methods that are already in use, but the new method can last longer and can also be injected through a smaller needle that is easier for patients to tolerate.