Scientists discover ‘breakthrough’ compound which can destroy drug-resistant superbugs

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a type of chemical, which is called a dinuclear Ru (II) complex, which they believe is able to kill bacteria too strong for treatment with normal medicines.

Current figures estimate that by the year 2050, around 10 million people each year will die because of infections which evolve to be untreatable.

This new research has been hailed as a breakthrough after it having been said that no new treatment for gram-negative bacterial infections have been developed in the last 50 years.

This type of bacteria are difficult to destroy as they have an additional protective layer around them, which drugs have always struggled to penetrate.

In this research, however, the scientists discovered that the new complex was able to kill gram-negative E.coli, which is responsible for diarrhoea and vomiting, by damaging and bursting through the protective membranes.

Researcher Professor Jim Thomas, said “This breakthrough could lead to vital new treatments to life-threatening superbugs and the growing risk posed by antimicrobial resistance.”

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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