Scientists have discovered a new class of antibiotic that is showing remarkable success against one of the world’s most dangerous drug-resistant bacteria.
Zosurabalpin defeated strains of Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (Crab) – a major cause of hospital infections, particularly in patients on ventilators – in mice.
The World Health Organisation classifies Crab as one of three category 1 critical pathogens, for which new antibiotics are urgently needed due to their extensive drug-resistance.
Dr Andrew Edwards, a senior lecturer in molecular microbiology at Imperial College London, who was not involved in the research, said the challenge presented by Crab was its resistance to multiple antibiotics, making it incredibly difficult to treat.
“Crab is a significant cause of infection in hospitals, particularly in people who are on ventilators,” he said.
“Unfortunately, development of new treatments against this bacterium has been extremely challenging because it is very adept at keeping antibiotics from getting past its outer cell layer.”
Zosurabalpin’s efficacy was demonstrated in mice against pneumonia and sepsis, and this success has sparked hope for the current human trials.
Dr Edwards said: “This work is really exciting, and provides confidence that the approaches being used to find new antibiotics can bear fruit.”
Gram-negative bacteria, like Crab, pose an urgent threat to human health.
They are protected by an outer shell containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS), explained Dr Michael Lobritz, global head of infectious diseases at Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, which developed Zosurabalpin.
“LPS allows bacteria to live in harsh environments, and it also allows them to evade attack by our immune system,” he said.
“This is the first time we’ve found anything that operates in this way, so it is unique in its chemical make-up and mechanism of action.”
A Roche representative told The National: “Without the ability to transport LPS the bacteria die. The new molecule overcomes the existing drug-resistance mechanisms that the currently available antibiotics are failing to address.”
No new antibiotic targeting Gram-negative bacteria has been approved in over 50 years, making Zosurabalpin’s discovery all the more crucial.
“Any new antibiotic class that has the ability to treat infections caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria such as Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (Crab) would be a significant breakthrough,” the Roche representative added.
“Zosurabalpin has many features that position it to be a medical breakthrough, and future human clinical trials will inform whether it has the potential to address a major gap in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
They added: “A range of phase 1 trials of Zosurabalpin in humans are currently ongoing. These studies aim to test safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (the concentration of zosurabalpin in the human body over time).”
Roche had initially identified Zosurabalpin as capable of inhibiting the growth of A. baumannii.
Prof Daniel Kahne at Harvard University and colleagues later revealed that the drug works by preventing LPS from reaching the bacterium's outer membrane, effectively killing it.
In mouse trials, Zosurabalpin significantly reduced bacterial levels and prevented death in cases of Crab-related sepsis.
While Dr Lobritz acknowledged that Zosurabalpin alone won’t solve the public health threat of antimicrobial-resistant infections, its unique chemical make-up and mechanism of action set a foundation for future drug development targeting similar transport systems in other bacteria.
In parallel, Dr Edwards said another antibiotic, murepavadin, targets LPS transport through a different mechanism.
“[Murepavadin] has been shown to be active against a bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting that it may be possible to expand this work to other multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria such as Klebsiella and E coli,” he said.
However, he cautioned about the challenges in transitioning new drugs from animal studies to human applications.
Amid these developments, the UK’s science, innovation, and technology committee has advocated exploring bacteriophages, viruses that kill bacteria, as an alternative to antibiotics for resistant infections.
What is antimicrobial resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when tiny organisms like bacteria, which can cause infections, learn to outsmart medicines such as antibiotics.
Normally, these antibiotics kill bacteria or stop their growth. But when bacteria become resistant, these antibiotics are no longer effective, making infections harder to treat.
Imagine bacteria as tiny invaders in your body; antibiotics are like a special force sent to defeat them.
But sometimes, these invaders adapt to survive these attacks, becoming “superbugs”.
These antibiotic-resistant superbugs turn treatable infections into serious health problems.
AMR gets worse due to misuse of these medicines
When antibiotics are overused or used incorrectly, it gives bacteria more chances to become resistant.
Poor practices in controlling infections, like not washing hands properly, also contribute to this problem.
Another concern is the use of antibiotics in animals, such as those raised for food.
If these animals carry resistant bacteria, they can pass them to humans, increasing the spread of AMR.
One of the biggest challenges is that there aren't many new antibiotics being developed. This means we're running out of effective tools to fight these resistant bacteria.
Experts warn that if we don’t tackle AMR, it could lead to more deaths each year than currently caused by cancer.
To prevent this, a co-ordinated effort is needed, involving not just humans but also the animal and environmental sectors.
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
A Bad Moms Christmas
Dir: John Lucas and Scott Moore
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines
Two stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
Takreem Awards winners 2021
Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)
Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Women’s Programs Association (Lebanon)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)
Excellence in Education: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) (Qatar)
Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)
Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)
Young Entrepreneur: Omar Itani (Lebanon)
Lifetime Achievement: Suad Al Amiry (Palestine)
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Series info
Test series schedule 1st Test, Abu Dhabi: Sri Lanka won by 21 runs; 2nd Test, Dubai: Play starts at 2pm, Friday-Tuesday
ODI series schedule 1st ODI, Dubai: October 13; 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi: October 16; 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi: October 18; 4th ODI, Sharjah: October 20; 5th ODI, Sharjah: October 23
T20 series schedule 1st T20, Abu Dhabi: October 26; 2nd T20, Abu Dhabi: October 27; 3rd T20, Lahore: October 29
Tickets Available at www.q-tickets.com
Stat Fourteen Fourteen of the past 15 Test matches in the UAE have been decided on the final day. Both of the previous two Tests at Dubai International Stadium have been settled in the last session. Pakistan won with less than an hour to go against West Indies last year. Against England in 2015, there were just three balls left.
Key battle - Azhar Ali v Rangana Herath Herath may not quite be as flash as Muttiah Muralitharan, his former spin-twin who ended his career by taking his 800th wicket with his final delivery in Tests. He still has a decent sense of an ending, though. He won the Abu Dhabi match for his side with 11 wickets, the last of which was his 400th in Tests. It was not the first time he has owned Pakistan, either. A quarter of all his Test victims have been Pakistani. If Pakistan are going to avoid a first ever series defeat in the UAE, Azhar, their senior batsman, needs to stand up and show the way to blunt Herath.
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Fernando Jara (jockey), Irfan Ellahi (trainer).
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Momtaz, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,400m
Winner: Yaalail, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh180,000 1,600m
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Fernando Jara, Helal Al Alawi.
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2.200m
Winner: Ezz Al Rawasi, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
SERIES SCHEDULE
First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Panipat
Director Ashutosh Gowariker
Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment
Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman
Rating 3 /5 stars
