Efficient Combat of Multi-Resistant Bacteria
Multi-resistant bacteria, against which the usual antibiotics are ineffective, is becoming an increasing problem - in particular in in-patient health care. Infections are amongst the most frequent of complications during a hospital stay. Most frequently occurring are urinary tract infections, ventilation-associated pneumonia and wound infections post-operatively. The German Association for Hospital Hygiene (DGKH) estimates estimates the number of deaths per year caused by this is up to 30,000. As a last treatment modality for multi-resistant, gram-negative bacteria the stand-by antibiotic colistin is being used with increasing frequency. Bacterial strains with the mcr-1 gene are however also resistant to colistin and are therefore regarded as particularly dangerous. The WHO has already given warnings in this light of a post-antibiotic era.
Since 2009 the biotechnology company Lisando GmbH located in BioPark Regensburg has been designing and developing novel, effective, antibacterial active substances in the combat against bacterial pathogens. For this purpose tailor-made proteins are being developed in accordance with ISO 13485 which destroy bacteria via a mechanical-physical method. These active substances, so-called Artilysins®, are in the position to be taken up non-specifically by the cell wall of the target bacteria, to destabilize these so that the target bacteria rupture in fractions of seconds due to high osmotic internal pressure. The mode of action works both for pathogenic gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics.
The newest research results from the company demonstrate that Artilysin® technology is also effective against mcr-1 positive bacteria and eliminates these effectively. In addition to being highly efficient the data also show that through intensive selection pressure, no resistance can be provoked towards this active substance. Dr. Manfred Biebl, Authorized Signatory and Director of Devlopment at Lisando is confident about being able to provide effective platform technology to combat multiresistant pathogens with Artilysins®. Lisando GmbH in Regensburg is with its 16 employees part of Lysando AG with its headquarters in Triesenberg, Lichtenstein. Lisando Thailand Ltd. with 5 employees is also included and coordinates research projects in Asia.
