A study has revealed that a novel semi-synthetic compound, derived from natural substances, shows potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including drug-resistant strains. This compound presents a promising foundation for developing new and more effective anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the pathogen responsible for tuberculosis (TB), the leading cause of bacterial disease-related deaths globally. Current treatments are outdated, involve lengthy regimens, and face the challenge of rising drug resistance.
As reported by medicalxpress, the researchers aimed to discover new antibiotics that could target TB, including drug-resistant strains. They focused on natural compounds produced by plants, fungi, and bacteria, which have historically been valuable in antibiotic discovery.
Sanguinarine, a naturally occurring antimicrobial compound from a North American flowering plant, has shown potential but is too toxic for human use. By applying medicinal chemistry principles, researchers modified sanguinarine to create BPD-9, a more potent and less toxic compound. In lab tests and studies with mice, BPD-9 effectively killed strains of M. tuberculosis resistant to all front-line TB antibiotics.
BPD-9 was also shown to be effective against dormant and intracellular M. tuberculosis—two key challenges in current TB treatment. Additionally, it was selective for pathogenic bacteria within the same genus as M. tuberculosis, potentially sparing the beneficial bacteria in the human microbiome that most antibiotics harm.
“Our research has identified a novel chemical entity with unique properties against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which could be further developed for clinical use,” said Jim Sun, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. He added that BPD-9’s effectiveness against other members of the Mycobacterium genus could also help treat hard-to-cure lung infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria. It may also kill M. tuberculosis through a mechanism different from current TB treatments.