Development of next-generation antimicrobials with unique mechanisms of action

To combat drug-resistant bacteria, it is essential to develop new antimicrobial agents with novel mechanisms of action that demonstrate therapeutic efficacy. Lysocin E, discovered by our group, is a novel antibiotic with a unique mechanism of action that targets menaquinone. Compared to other antibiotics, lysocin E exhibits extremely potent bactericidal activity in a very short time. In addition, unlike other antibiotics, the antimicrobial activity of lysocin E is enhanced by adding serum, which triggers a distinct adjuvant effect of host factors, thereby demonstrating its exceptional therapeutic efficacy. It has been suggested that lysocin E is effective against intractable Staphylococcus aureus infections, and pre-clinical studies are ongoing. Lysocin E has the potential to become a next-generation therapeutic agent that is distinct from conventional antibacterial drugs.