New active agent against hospital pathogens
The pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (magenta-colored) is a dreaded hospital germ.
Scientists from the universities of Greifswald, Tübingen and Munich are working with the company HYpharm GmbH to develop a drug to combat the dreaded hospital pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. The active agent is a highly effective protein from bacteriophages that specifically kills these bacteria that are frequently found in the nose. Preventing colonisation in the nose could particularly counteract the spreading of the methicillin-resistant pathogen (MRSA) in hospitals and prevent infections in patients.
Background
Experts estimate that every third person hosts the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus in their nose. While it is normally harmless, this bacterium can quickly become problematic for patients in the hospital. If it enters wounds during surgery, it can cause serious infections. The methicillin-resistant strains are particularly feared as common antibiotics for these are no longer effective. In order to combat these pathogens in good time, mupirocin is currently used. However, the bacteria are also becoming increasingly resistant to this antibiotic.
HY-133, the name of the new active agent made of bacteriophages, could be a solution to the dilemma. The phage lysin was produced artificially and has shown a high specificity against Staphylococcus aureus cells. Harmless bacteria in the nose are unaffected.
Development
The protein was produced by the company HYpharm together with scientists at the university hospital in Münster and its effect was improved. The “designer molecule” has been further developed at the DZIF and is being prepared for clinical testing. As an alternative to the animal model, tests have already been conducted with human skin models that have delivered excellent results.
HY-133 entered the first phase of clinical testing in June 2024: The Phase I clinical trial, which is being conducted at the Immundermatology Study Center with the University Hospital of Tübingen, will evaluate the safety and toxicity of the novel drug candidate in healthy volunteers.