Novel Antimicrobial and Antiviral Peptides

Referenznummer TO 01-00797

 

Challenge 
In the last two decades the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has in-creased dramatically. Multi-drug-resistant strains have emerged in many species that cause disease in humans. Currently there are only in¬suffi¬cient treatments available for infections caused by many of the antibiotic-resistant bac-teria. Furthermore the resis-tance to commonly used anti¬biotics is steadily increasing. In consid¬eration of this fact alternative methods to com¬bat antibiotic resistant bacte-ria are urgently needed.
The devel¬opment of novel antibiotics less prone to resis-tance as well as resis¬tance formation is critical and con-stitutes a medical need.

	Proposed mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides

Technology

The present invention relates to a group of novel polypeptides derived from plants that were further optimized and show efficient antibiotic activity towards a variety of plant pathogens as well as human pathogens. The peptides comprise an amphi-pathic helical structure which allow them to incorporate into bacterial membranes. They are supposed to target the prokaryotic cytoplasmic membrane  by membrane perforation resulting in the efflux of prokaryotic cytoplasma.Another important feature of the present invention is the low haemolytic activity of the peptides making the compounds suitable for therapeutic use.

Subgroups of peptides were shown to be additionally effective against viral infection with HIV and/or showed antimycotic activity as well.

Commercial Opportunity

The peptides are derivatives of a very old group of natural compounds that do not seem to evoke pronounced resistance formation. Thus, they might present a new gen­eration of secure antibiotics. Moreover, the peptides show anti-HIV and anti-mycotic activity opening further novel routes for therapeutic intervention. 

•  In-licensing or collaboration partnership for the development

Patent Situation

Four EP patent applications were filed in September 2008 for the different subgroups of peptides followed by PCT applications in 2009.

Further Reading

Hanock & Sahl, Nat. Biotech. 2006, Vol. 24, p. 1551

 

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Kontakt:

Sigrid Scheek, Ph.D.
Technology Manager
Ascenion GmbH

T: +49 (0)89 318814-34
F: +49 (0)89 318814-20
scheek@ascenion.de