The new mechanism antibiotics was rapidly bactericidal and highly effective across globally varied Enterobacteriaceae strains in research studies. UK-based biopharmaceutical company, Summit Therapeutics plc has recently presented its in vivo proof of concept data for the DDS-04 series of new mechanism antibiotics for specifically targeting Enterobacteriaceae in an oral session at the 29th ECCMID (European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases) in Amsterdam. According to reliable reports, the DDS-04 series compound treated infection in a translationally related animal model of urinary tract infection, which poses as one of the key sites for Enterobacteriaceae infection. In addition, therapeutic concentrations of the DDS-04 compound were detected in other major sites in the animal model where lethal Enterobacteriaceae infections occur, including the bloodstream and the lungs. Speaking on the condition, Dr. David Roblin, President of R&D, Summit, said that patients suffering from Enterobacteriaceae infections are at an increasing risk for poor outcomes due to the spread of antimicrobial resistance. He said that mainstay treatments are losing their efficacy, and patients do not possess the time to fail antibiotic therapy. Roblin added that there is a pressing need for novel, targeted Enterobacteriaceae antibiotics that can aid in improved patient outcomes. Sources cite that the DDS-04 series acts via a novel bacterial target called LolCDE, whose site of DDS-04 series activity is conserved in the majority of clinically important Enterobacteriaceae, leading to targeted spectrum compounds. Moreover, the DDS-04 series, with its new mechanism of action, was rapidly bactericidal and highly effective across globally varied Enterobacteriaceae strains in research studies, which includes multi-drug resistant isolates. Commenting on the novel treatment, Mr. Glyn Edwards, CEO, Summit, said that the DDS-04 series aligns with the firm’s antibiotic strategy. He said that there is a clear chance to improve patient outcomes and a need for new mechanisms to offer these improved outcomes, and further to help address the spread of antimicrobial resistance. Edwards added that the company is looking forward to gaining further data to back the selection of a preclinical subject from the DDS-04 series.