Reprogramming of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance

Arch Pharm (Weinheim). 2020 Nov;353(11):e2000168. doi: 10.1002/ardp.202000168. Epub 2020 Aug 10.

Abstract

This review outlines a literature-based approach with illustrative examples of drug repurposing (one molecule, multiple targets), which will be useful in tackling the problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Globally, the demands for new drugs have increased due to multidrug-resistant pathogens and emerging viruses. Keeping these facts in view, drug repurposing started for utilization of a drug in a different way from a preexisting drug, which reduces the time and cost of development of a new drug. Repurposing increases the potency of a drug and reduces its toxicity level, as it is required in lower amounts, supporting the utilization of the drug as a new therapeutic option. This will be further explored to highlight the application in AMR.

Keywords: adjuvants; antibiotic resistance; antimicrobial resistance; drug repurposing; multidrug resistance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Drug Repositioning*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial* / genetics
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents