A super antibiotic discovered in Liège
A team from the University of Liège have demonstrated that a drug used to treat coronary artery diseases is a powerful antibiotic, particularly against super bacteria.
Researchers have discovered that the antiplatelet drug ticagrelor (sold commercially in Belgium under the name Brilique®) is able to kill bacteria which are resistant to conventional antibiotics, and with remarkable speed. Ticagrelor is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world. It helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
This is a significant advancement in the fight against infections caused by super bacteria resistant to commonly used antibiotics in hospitals. These bacteria are a global issue of concern and currently present a massive threat to human health worldwide. They are actually the primary reason for infection from medical implants, prosthetics, sepsis, etc. Their resistance to currently available antibiotics has brought about higher mortality rates and increased costs for healthcare.
Thanks to this major discovery, researchers in Liège are hoping to move forward with designing new therapeutic strategies from the mechanism of action of ticagrelor. Their research will likely be vital in the fight against bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.