Drug Resistance
Articles tagged with Drug Resistance
Europe advances genomic surveillance of CCRE with landmark multi-country study
Better together: New combination therapy improves outcomes in the most difficult-to-treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Researchers have developed a new combination therapy that shows promising results in treating patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The treatment, which combines two mechanisms of action, has been shown to improve clinical remission rates by more than 20 percentage points compared to existing therapies.
Singapore researchers advance phage therapy in fight against antimicrobial resistance
Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.
Stopping and restarting certain GLP-1s to lose weight may make the drug less effective
A preclinical study found that mice stopped and restarted GLP-1s gained less weight over time, with a significant decrease in muscle mass. The researchers suggest that clinicians help patients preserve muscle mass while on these medications through exercise or nutrition.
26 Years of development of EGFR-TKIs for non-small cell lung cancer: Clinical application and resistance research progress
EGFR-TKIs have significantly improved OS and quality of life for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients. However, ongoing research is needed to refine therapies for precise individualized treatment, addressing resistance mechanisms and optimal combination strategies.
Drugging the undruggable: Scientists achieve million-fold leap in targeting elusive cancer proteins
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a new method to target intrinsically disordered proteins, which are difficult to treat with medication. The approach has shown promise in slowing prostate cancer growth and could lead to new treatments for various diseases.
Gene-sharing myth challenged as bacteria shown to police DNA exchange - New Study
A new study reveals that bacteria can actively limit the spread of antibiotic resistance genes by deploying molecular gatekeepers called YokF. This mechanism blocks the transfer of beneficial genes, giving microbes a competitive advantage in dense microbial communities.
Researchers disable antimicrobial resistance in cystic fibrosis-associated bacteria
New findings render antibiotic-resistant bacteria vulnerable by disabling individual resistance and cross-protection. This approach offers new possibilities for treating resistant infections associated with cystic fibrosis and may inform the treatment of a broad range of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Antibiotic resistance genes found in newborns within hours of birth, study shows
A study analyzing meconium samples from newborns found high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes, including those linked to carbapenem resistance. The findings suggest that maternal transmissions and early hospital exposure contribute to the establishment of these genes in the neonatal gut.
A molecular movie captures cancer’s great escape from targeted therapy
A new study reveals that cancer cells may begin escaping therapy much earlier, triggered by a stress response that drives them into a temporary drug-tolerant state. Researchers identified an early molecular trigger: NF-κB, which acts as a regulator of cellular stress and survival.
Belfast to host global scientists at the Microbiology Society’s Annual Conference 2026 as Baroness Natalie Bennett joins discussion on antimicrobial resistance
The Microbiology Society's Annual Conference 2026 will bring together researchers from around the world to discuss antimicrobial resistance and its impact on global health. The conference will explore ways to slow the spread of superbugs through scientific research, policy, and international collaboration.
New AI technology to speed drug development
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
Unlocking how dogs’ fungal ear infections evade treatment points vets to drug stewardship
Researchers discovered that mutations in a key protein make yeast found in dogs with common outer ear infections more resistant to topical antifungals. The team recommends using shorter-tailed azoles as initial therapy for dogs with yeast ear infections, reserving longer-tailed azoles for recurrent or non-responsive cases.
Oregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits
A long-term public study found that phytochemicals from oregano and rosemary supported favorable gut health and growth performance in weaned pigs, preserving microbial diversity to improve nutrient utilization. The natural agents outperformed antibiotic growth promoters in terms of final body weight and gain-to-feed ratio.
Scientists warn antibacterial soaps and wipes can fuel antimicrobial resistance
A growing body of evidence suggests that daily use of antibacterial soaps, wipes, and other household products contributes to the global rise of antimicrobial resistance. Researchers call for policymakers to restrict these ingredients when there is no evidence of efficacy, reducing chemical pollution and protecting public health.
Both diseased and healthy lungs contain genes associated with antibiotic resistance
Researchers discovered that antibiotic resistance genes were present in all groups, including patients with COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and sarcoidosis, as well as healthy individuals. The study also found that recent antibiotic use was linked to higher prevalence of resistance genes.
European Region misses 1 in 5 TB cases: WHO Europe and ECDC publish new joint surveillance report
The European Region is struggling to detect and treat tuberculosis, with 1 in 5 cases going undiagnosed or unreported. Drug-resistant strains are also a major concern, with the region accounting for a disproportionate share of global cases.
Inappropriate antibiotic use for COVID-19 is linked to resistance
Using azithromycin within one day triggers antibiotic resistance in the respiratory tract, according to a study published in Nature Microbiology. The researchers followed hospitalized COVID-19 patients and found that azithromycin changed the mix of microbes in the upper airway, leading to persistent changes for more than a week.
Antibiotic resistance can vary depending on where the bacteria live
Research shows that bacteria harbor resistance genes may respond differently to antibiotics under non-standard conditions. This affects treatment efficacy and contributes to understanding antimicrobial resistance development and spread. Understanding these variations is crucial to combat global public health threats.
Aussie native ‘buffet’ creates honey with stronger anti-microbial punch
A University of Sydney-led study found that honey made from mixed floral sources has superior performance against bacteria, with high levels of bioactive compounds. The findings could help develop new treatments for drug-resistant infections while supporting bushfire recovery and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Ultrasound-activated ‘nanoagents’ kill superbugs hiding in biofilms
Researchers design nanoagents to carry antibiotics deep into bacterial infections, releasing them upon gentle ultrasound activation. This approach reduces antibiotic resistance and improves treatment of biofilm-related infections.
New study identifies growth hormone receptor as possible target to improve lung cancer treatment
Researchers at Ohio University discovered that blocking the growth hormone receptor may help make lung cancer treatments more effective. Patients with low GHR tumors survived significantly longer than those with high GHR tumors, highlighting a potential new target for therapy.
Next generation genetics technology developed to counter the rise of antibiotic resistance
Researchers developed a novel CRISPR-based technology called pPro-MobV that can remove antibiotic-resistant elements from bacterial populations. The new tool uses gene-drive thinking and has the potential to combat antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings, environmental remediation, and microbiome engineering.
Sugar molecules point to a new weapon against drug-resistant bacteria
Researchers have designed antibodies that recognize a unique sugar found on bacterial cells, providing a potential new treatment for multidrug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. The target of the antibody is pseudaminic acid, a sugar molecule produced exclusively by bacteria and used to evade immune responses.
Fighting superbugs with nets and light switches
A new hydrogel gel, inspired by nature's NETs, uses near-infrared light to kill bacteria and calm the immune system, promoting wound healing. Trials in mice and pigs show significant reduction in bacterial load and accelerated healing.
A CNIO study completely eliminates pancreatic tumors in mice without resistance developing
A study published in PNAS successfully eliminated pancreatic tumours in mice completely and durably, with no significant side effects. The treatment, combining three molecular targets, induced robust regression of experimental PDACs without causing tumor resistance.
Breaching the fortress: Two-faced nanoparticles revive antibiotics against superbugs
Researchers have demonstrated that Janus nanoparticles can disrupt drug-resistant bacteria's defenses, restoring the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. The approach uses nanoparticles to create pores in bacterial membranes, allowing antibiotics to flood in and execute their killing function.
NUS Medicine study reveals how antimicrobial resistance spreads from gut bacteria to potentially dangerous hospital superbugs
Researchers at NUS Medicine discovered that genetic vectors can efficiently spread antibiotic resistance within the gut, enabling even highly virulent bacteria to acquire drug resistance. This finding sheds light on the emergence of 'superbugs' in healthcare settings.
Pine bark removes pharmaceutical residues from wastewater – an affordable way to keep antibiotics out of nature
Researchers at the University of Oulu have developed a pine-bark-based water-treatment medium that efficiently removes antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals from wastewater treatment plant effluent. The method uses modified pine bark and combination materials, achieving removal efficiencies in the tens of percent to over 90%.
Golden Gate method enables rapid, fully-synthetic engineering of therapeutically relevant bacteriophages
Researchers from New England Biolabs and Yale University have developed a first fully synthetic bacteriophage engineering system using the High-Complexity Golden Gate Assembly platform. This method simplifies strain engineering techniques, allowing for rapid creation of tailored therapeutic strains to overcome antibiotic resistance.
Should younger and older people receive different treatments for the same infection?
Salk Institute scientists found distinct disease courses and tolerance mechanisms in younger and older mice with sepsis, indicating a need for age-tailored therapies. The study suggests that future treatments may focus on controlling infection-generated damage rather than just targeting the pathogen.
First extensive study into marsupial gut microbiomes reveals new microbial species and antimicrobial resistance
Researchers analyzed faecal samples from 82 captive and 16 wild marsupials, revealing new microbial species and antimicrobial resistance. The study found that host family, location, and diet contributed to variance between different microbiomes.
New test shows which antibiotics actually work
Researchers developed a new method to measure how effectively antibiotics kill bacteria, crucial for treating complex infections. The 'antimicrobial single-cell testing' method predicts treatment success by observing individual bacteria under different conditions.
McMaster discovery could lead to new treatments for drug-resistant fungal infections
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a molecule called butyrolactol A, which can synergize with echinocandin drugs to kill fungi that the drugs alone cannot. The discovery marks a breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant fungal infections, including those caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida auris.
Korea University researchers discover that cholesterol-lowering drug can overcome chemotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer
Researchers found that pitavastatin directly inhibits the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1, a key driver of survival and resistance in TNBC cells. The study showed pitavastatin effectively eliminates cancer stem-like cell populations and reduces tumor growth, angiogenesis, and lung metastasis.
New clinical standards strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care
The new clinical standards for antimicrobial stewardship in tuberculosis care aim to integrate TB into existing AMS frameworks, strengthening surveillance and resistance monitoring. The standards prioritize effectiveness, safety, and resistance prevention, promoting structured expert consultation services and targeted testing.
Mathematicians tame cellular “noise” to control life at the single-cell level
Researchers create a novel mathematical framework to control biological noise, enabling precise single-cell control. The 'Noise Robust Perfect Adaptation' technology suppresses stochastic fluctuations while maintaining stable average behavior, with promising applications in cancer therapy and synthetic biology.
There are new antivirals being tested for herpesviruses. Scientists now know how they work
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered crucial insights into how a new class of antiviral drugs works, shedding light on an important tool for fighting drug-resistant strains of herpes simplex virus. The discovery may lead to new pathways for treating herpesviruses and other kinds of DNA viruses.
A silent pandemic: Scientists warn of escalating global antimicrobial resistance
The review highlights alarming trends in AMR, including rising resistance to last-line antibiotics, regional disparities, and the rapid spread of resistant genes through global travel and agriculture. Innovative drug combinations and precision-based treatment strategies offer hope in reclaiming control over this growing crisis.
UT Health San Antonio’s collaborative research program unites experts to revolutionize cancer treatment
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio are developing APOBEC inhibitors to block tumor mutation rates and slow cancer's evolution. The goal is to strengthen current therapies and improve their long-term effectiveness.
Tiny viral switch offers hope against drug-resistant bacteria
Researchers discovered a tiny RNA molecule called PreS that helps viruses copy their DNA more efficiently and boost replication in bacterial cells. This discovery provides important insights for designing smarter phage-based therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
World-first discovery uncovers how glioblastoma tumours dodge chemotherapy, potentially opening the door to new treatments
Researchers discovered glioblastoma cells use PRDM9 to survive chemotherapy and regrow tumors. By blocking PRDM9 or cutting off cholesterol supply, persister cells can be wiped out, improving survival in mice. This breakthrough offers new strategies for treating the deadliest brain cancer.
Study explores why some drug therapies are ineffective for brain tumor patients
Researchers at the University of Plymouth investigate why drugs used to treat other tumours are ineffective against NF2-related schwannoma and meningioma tumours. They explore repurposing clinically tested cancer drugs to target MDR mechanisms, which may lead to effective therapies for patients with these tumours.
UBCO study finds microdosing can temporarily improve mood, creativity
A UBC Okanagan study found that microdosing psychedelics temporarily improves mood, creativity, and wellbeing, but these effects do not persist on non-dosing days. The study, tracking over 1,435 participants from 49 countries, suggests that microdosing may 'reactivate' or build upon prior effects of larger-dose psychedelic experiences.
Persistent antibiotic resistance of cholera-causing bacteria in Africa revealed from a multinational workshop for strengthening disease surveillance
Cholera-causing bacteria show substantial genetic diversity and widespread multi-drug resistance to commonly used antibiotics in Africa. A new study analyzed genomic data from 104 isolates across Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Zambia, and South Africa, highlighting the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship.
Social lives of viruses affect antiviral resistance
A study found that viral interactions inside cells influence antiviral resistance outcomes, while a less potent drug may ironically improve its future utility by promoting social interactions in viruses. The researchers suggest a trade-off between hitting the virus hard and allowing resistance to rise.
Researchers identify target to overcome treatment resistance in preclinical models of KRAS-mutant cancers
A specific protein, RASH3D19, activates the RAS signaling pathway involved in aggressive tumor growth and resistance to KRAS inhibitors. Blocking RASH3D19 improves outcomes in preclinical models, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers discover latent antimicrobial resistance across the world
Researchers analyzed 1,240 wastewater samples from 351 cities worldwide and discovered latent antimicrobial resistance genes. The study highlights the need for broader surveillance of resistance in wastewater to curb future pandemics.
Experimental mRNA therapy shows potential to combat antibiotic-resistant infections
A novel mRNA-based therapy has been shown to slow bacterial growth, strengthen immune cell activity, and reduce lung tissue damage in models of multidrug-resistant pneumonia. The therapy works by giving the body a special protein that directly breaks down harmful bacteria and recruits immune cells to help clear them out.
Research alert: Cancer uses cell death proteins to survive treatment and regrow
Researchers at UC San Diego found that cancer cells use non-genetic mechanisms to regrow after targeted therapy, which could help prevent tumor recurrence. By blocking these signaling pathways, future treatments may be able to stop tumors from relapsing during therapy.
Global and European experts convene in Warsaw for Europe’s leading public health conference on infectious diseases
The 2025 European Scientific Conference on Applied Infectious Disease Epidemiology (ESCAIDE) brings together over 3,000 participants to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in infectious disease prevention and control. The conference highlights urgent priorities such as building trust in science, demonstrating science-based ...
New nanogel technology destroys drug-resistant bacteria in hours
A novel nanogel technology has been developed to kill drug-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, with high selectivity and efficiency. The technology uses a heteromultivalent nanogel that binds to specific proteins on the bacterial surface, disrupting the membrane and leading to rapid bacterial death.
A new gateway to global antimicrobial resistance data
The AMR portal connects bacterial genomes, resistance phenotypes, and functional annotations, providing a central hub for global AMR research. It brings together experimental and computational data types, allowing researchers to investigate how genetic variants translate into antimicrobial resistance.
Time to act and not react: how can the European Union turn the tide of antimicrobial resistance?
Europe is facing a major public health crisis due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates, with estimated deaths of over 35,000 annually. The EU must address this issue through strong action on antibiotic use, innovation in novel treatments and infection prevention and control practices.
CRISPR breakthrough reverses chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer
Researchers have shown that disabling the NRF2 gene with CRISPR technology can restore drug sensitivity and slow tumor growth in lung cancer. The approach, which targets a master switch for resistance, has potential across multiple tumor types.
New drug target identified in fight against resistant infections
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a new mechanism of resistance to common antibiotics, targeting a special repair system possessed by certain bacteria. This discovery could aid efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance, one of the world's most urgent health challenges.
Phages with fully-synthetic DNA can be edited gene by gene
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have created phages with synthetic genetic material, allowing them to add and subtract genes. This breakthrough enables researchers to engineer phages to target specific bacteria, offering new hope for combating antibacterial resistance.
OU biochemists lead global hunt for new antibiotics
Researchers are searching for cellular vulnerabilities in 'superbugs' like E. coli and P. aeruginosa to find new, effective therapeutics. The $5.3 million project aims to develop new ways to deliver lifesaving drugs directly into resistant pathogens.
Evolving antibiotic resistance under pressure
Researchers used an experimental evolution approach to map genetic mutations in A. baumannii treated with tigecycline and colistin, confirming and extending existing knowledge on major mechanisms of resistance. The study's findings aim to develop genomics-based predictions of drug resistance and susceptibility.