UK and Canada Link in Antibacterial Drug Project

(c) anyaivanova/Shutterstock
(c) anyaivanova/Shutterstock

LifeArc, the UK medical research charity previously known as MRC Technology, is to collaborate with the government’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Canada’s Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) to identify new antibacterial drug targets.

The parties will look at commonality across pathogens to identify which genes or targets express proteins that lead to the production of multi-drug resistant bacteria and are therefore the most promising from a biophysical and drug discovery-based perspective. Until now, most antibacterial drug discovery programs have focused on very specific aspects of resistance, or single pathogen species.

Once targets have been selected and validated, results will be openly published and the most promising targets will enter into drug discovery programs.

“LifeArc’s strategy is to create Communities for Impact (CfI) where we work in collaboration with cutting edge organizations such as Dstl and the CDRD, bringing together our diverse expertise and knowledge to tackle key issues in human health,” said Justin Bryans, executive director of drug discovery at LifeArc.

“The discovery of new antibacterial drugs is becoming increasingly urgent and we are excited by the potential for this collaboration, as each party brings a piece of the jigsaw to enable the CfI as a whole to make a real impact in this field,” he added.

Antibiotic resistance is a major global health problem that is threatening the medical sector’s ability to treat common infectious diseases. Last year, a report commissioned by the UK government predicted that by 2050 resistance to currently available antibiotics will prevent common medical procedures and operations from taking place because of the risk of bacterial infection.

Virtual Event

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry
CHEManager Spotlight

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry

Save the Date: October 22, 2025
The event will be promoted to a combined audience of over 100,000 professionals across Europe through the CHEManager and CITplus networks.

Interview

Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World
Adapting to Tariffs and Strengthening Regional Networks

Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World

Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of SOCMA, discusses the impact of new tariffs and the importance of regional supply networks in the specialty chemical industry.

most read

Photo
21.03.2025 • News

What’s Next for Pharma Supply Chains?

Sudden shifts in demand, supply shortages and global collapse have put immense pressure on pharmaceutical logistics. To address these challenges, PHARMAP 2025 brings together industry experts to discover AI-driven supply chain optimisation, strategic logistics partnerships and digital solutions that enhance efficiency and resilience in the pharmaceutical supply chain.