A Hidden Antibiotic Discovered After 70 Years, And It’s 100× Stronger Against Superbugs
Scientists have identified a powerful new antibiotic that was hiding in plain sight for decades. The compound, called pre-methylenomycin C lactone, was discovered inside Streptomyces coelicolor — a bacterial species that researchers have studied for more than seventy years.
The findings reveal a breakthrough that could reshape how scientists search for the next generation of antibiotics.
An Overlooked Molecule With Extraordinary Power
Streptomyces coelicolor is already famous for producing methylenomycin A, a known antibiotic. But during genetic experiments aimed at understanding how this molecule is assembled, researchers accidentally uncovered a related compound that had been overlooked for decades.
When scientists tested pre-methylenomycin C lactone against dangerous pathogens, its effectiveness was astonishing:
- 100× stronger than methylenomycin A
- Highly potent against Gram-positive bacteria
- Effective against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
- Effective against VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus)
Even more encouraging, the bacteria did not develop resistance, even after nearly a month of continuous exposure.
What Comes Next?
While the results are highly promising, more testing is needed, including:
- Toxicity and safety studies
- How the compound behaves in animal models
- Optimization for drug development
Still, the discovery of pre-methylenomycin C lactone could become a major step forward in the fight against infections that modern medicine struggles to control.
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