Novel Broad Spectrum Antibiotics
While looking at a particular enzyme and it’s function, Alex Koglin noticed something strange. Its action was working in the opposite direction across the cell membrane as he expected. This clue lead to the discovery of five novel molecular entities, not previously defined. As Louis Pasteur once said that “chance favors the prepared mind” and Dr. Koglin was prepared.
He has world-class expertise in the area of defining genetic structural elements that are involved in the modular biosynthesis. Part of this process is to define elements, enzymes and modulating factors that are involved in biosynthetic pathways. The products of these assembly lines are biomolecules that function as antibiotics, immunosupressants, or chemotherapeutic agents among others.
First preclinical steps have been taken at Dana Farber Institute/Harvard University. Results indicate that the first molecule is not toxic to human peripheral blood lymphocytes and seem to block proliferation in the HeLa cancer cell model. In addition, this compound is toxic to a number of known pathogens. Four others remain to be isolated and tested in more depth.
From a commercial perspective, Dr. Koglin’s discovery can lead to a platform for design and development of an unlimited number of compounds for drug resistant infectious diseases, cancer and potentially other therapeutic areas. Based on natures own elegant construction, these novel compounds could make a profound impact on worldwide public health.