New Antibiotic that Resists Resistance

Emily Newton

Since the first antibiotic, Alexander Flemming invented penicillin in 1928, a slew of others have been discovered. Today, antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed medications that work by killing or weakening bacteria. Sounds great, right? Yes… and no.

The problem is that antibiotics are often overused, misused, and sometimes, misdiagnosed. Antibiotics do nothing for viruses (such as colds, coughs, sore throats, or the flu) and they should be taken for the entire duration of days directed- not stopped once the person “feels better”. Misusing and overusing actually cause the bacteria to “get used to” the antibiotics and develop resistance. That’s how infections such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) have come into existence and are so hard to treat.

In early January, it was announced that scientists have discovered the first new antibiotic in 30 years that seems to resist resistance. The antibiotic is named teixobactin and was discovered from the soil in Maine. Teixobactin has been used on mice and cured many infections, including tuberculosis, strep, and anthrax with no side effects. Tests in people will not begin for another 2 years, but scientists are hopeful that one day, teixobactin can be used to fight infections, cancers, and even treat infections caused by MRSA.

Teixobactin is by no means a cure to all our problems. It will not replace drugs such as amoxicillin and azithromycin due to the impenetrability of certain bacteria and it does not seem to be effective against pneumonias and blood infections. But, it does have potential do amazing things.