Viotika’s novel approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance was initially focused on Na+- translocating NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR), a key respiratory enzyme in many microbial pathogens. We have since discovered that NQR is not acting alone, and that there is in fact a dual mode of action showing improvements in bacterial killing and decreased general toxicity.
A dual mode of action antibacterial is consistent with the excellent low potential for resistance measured thus far and would be a major milestone in the battle against AMR.
Our work is currently focused on neisseria gonorrhea and pseudomonas—diseases that are particularly prevalent in Indigenous communities. The World Health Organization has declared neisseria gonorrhea a priority pathogen given its prevalence and growing resistance to conventional antibiotics.
Next steps:
The following papers shine a light on the foundations of Viotika’s science and its novel platform for addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Inhibitors of a Na+-Pumping NADH-Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Play Multiple Roles to Block Enzyme Function
Masuya, T.; Sano, Y.; Tanaka, H.; Butler, N. L.; Ito, T.; Tosaki, T.; Morgan, J. E.; Murai, M.; Barquera, B.; Miyoshi, H.
Journal of Biological Chemistry (2020), 295 (36), 12739–1275
https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.RA120.014229
Development of a novel rationally designed antibiotic to inhibit a nontraditional bacterial target
Dibrov, P.; Dibrov, E.; Maddaford, T.G.; Kenneth, M.;, Nelson, J.; Resch, C.; Pierce, G.N.
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology (2017), 95, 595–603
https://doi.org/10.1139/cjpp-2016-0505