Gramicidin A Mutants As Novel

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Gramicidin A mutants as novel antibiotics Background: Despite the obvious public health benefits of effective antibiotics, overuse and misuse of these crucial drugs has led to increasing bacterial resistance. Indeed, the CDC reported in 2013 that antibioticresistant bacteria are responsible for 23,000 deaths each year in the United States. Domestically, the economic toll of antibiotic resistance amounts to $20 billion in healthcare spending and $35 billion in lost productivity. Invention: Scientists in Boston College have synthesized several mutant forms of gramicidin A (gA), a fifteenresidue amino-acid peptide originally from Bacilllus brevis, to eliminate bacteria with novel regiment. Like other antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), these gA mutants can destroy bacterial pathogens by disrupting their cellular membrane, a unique anti-bacteria mechanism that is difficult for bacteria to acquire resistance. Compared to original gA which has been used as active ingredient in some antibiotic ointment, these gA mutants are highly potent against bacteria but more water-soluble, less-toxic to mammalian cells. These advantages position them as promising systemic antibiotics. Features/Advantages: - Anti-multiple-drug resistant - Water-soluble - Non-toxic - Bacteria specific - Targeting both Gram-positive and Gramnegative strains Applications: - Reduce toxicity of current antibiotic ointment consisting of gramicidin as active ingredient - Eliminate multiple-drug resistant bacteria, such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) - Novel systemic antibiotics Publication: Wang F, Qin L, Pace CJ, Wong P, Malonis R, Gao J, Chembiochem, 2012, 13(1):51-5. Lead Inventor: Jianmin Gao, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Boston College Patent Information: Patent Issued (US 9,243,037) Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or non-exclusive license Looking for Partners: For sponsored collaboration research to develop and commercialize this invention