The discovery of a new antibiotic drug could save nearly 7 million lives lost to superbugs every year. Superbugs are bacteria that have become ineffective due to over-or inappropriate use of antibiotics.
Bacteria build up immunity. British scientists have now discovered an antibiotic that kills superbugs in research. Research from the University of Liverpool has revealed that this drug has killed superbugs in mice without harming any healthy tissue.
1 crore people may die by 2050
It is a synthetic form of teixobactin, the first antibiotic discovered in several decades. During Kovid, many types of antibiotics were given to people, which have no effect on the virus. Due to this the number of people who lost their lives to superbugs has increased. A UK government commission has estimated that by 2050, superbugs could kill another 10 million people each year.
Successful in killing many bacteria
Teixobactin was successful in killing the superbug named MRSA in mice, on which many antibiotics have proved ineffective so far. It has also been successful in killing many bacteria found in humans. It will be used as a last defense against superbugs. Teixobactin can be stored at room temperature. Due to this, it can be easily sent all over the world.
In 2015, the drug was discovered in the US state of Maine. Then the general public was not informed about it because its production was very expensive. Now scientists have succeeded in making its synthetic form at 2000 times less cost. Now teixobactin can be made in large quantities.