New antibiotic that attacks MRSA found in ocean microbe (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Simon Redfern
Reporter, BBC News

A completely new and unusual antibiotic compound has been extracted from a marine microorganism found in sediments off the coast of California.

The discovery of genuinely novel antibiotics is rare, and experts say resistance to the drugs poses a grave threat to human health.

US scientists say the new compound, called anthracimycin, seems to be effective at killing MRSA and anthrax.

Details appear in the German journal Angewandte Chemie.

The unique chemical structure of the compound could lead to up a new class of antibiotic medicines.


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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23523507

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.201302749

[Warpy]

1. Good. Let's hope they do a much better job of restricting their use

to known resistant bugs so the bugs don't just develop another defense system.

[kestrel91316]

3. Don't hold your breath......

To be rendered useless due to misuse by Western physicians AND Third World laypersons in 3....2....1....

[Chemisse]

4. Sure thing. Right after they distribute it to all the cattle farmers.

Seriously though, this is really good news, but it won't last for long without rigorous restrictions on its use. Hopefully we have the political will to do this, in spite of how that would limit profits for whoever is marketing the drug.

[trotsky]

2. Huge, HUGE news.

The bugs will no doubt catch up again so let's hope we can still stay ahead.