Repurposed Cardiac Drug Shows Potential Against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

A recent study conducted by researchers at Emory University has uncovered promising results regarding a repurposed medication initially developed for heart arrhythmia, which may be effective in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This research addresses a significant concern in global health, given the increasing prevalence of infections caused by bacteria that have developed resistance to conventional antibiotics.

The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), focusing on the bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. This pathogen is known for its high transmissibility within hospital settings and poses a severe risk to patients with weakened immune systems.

The research team adopted a novel approach to identify vulnerabilities unique to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, subsequently targeting these weaknesses with an existing pharmaceutical agent. They discovered that fendiline, a calcium channel blocker previously utilized for heart arrhythmia treatment, is capable of eradicating Acinetobacter baumannii by disrupting its essential lipoprotein trafficking pathway--a mechanism that is compromised in antibiotic-resistant strains.

Given the urgency of finding effective treatments for infections affecting patients who are on ventilators or those suffering from deep tissue infections, the study emphasizes the importance of developing new therapeutic options. The lead researcher noted that the identification of fendiline as a viable treatment not only repurposes an already approved drug but also highlights a new target for antibiotic development.

The implications of this discovery are significant, particularly because fendiline has already received approval from the FDA. This status may streamline the process for clinical trials, expediting its use in treating serious infections acquired in hospitals, especially for vulnerable populations. Moreover, the selectivity of fendiline in targeting the harmful bacterium while preserving beneficial gut flora represents a vital advancement in antibiotic therapy.

This research underscores the need for innovative solutions in the fight against antibiotic resistance, a growing threat that complicates the treatment of many infections. By leveraging existing medications in novel ways, there is hope for improved outcomes for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat infections.