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In Vitro and In Vivo Antimicrobial Activity of the Novel Peptide OMN6 against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter
Janna Michaeli1, Shira Mandel1, Shelly Maximov1
1Omnix Medical Ltd., High-Tech Village, Givat-Ram Campus, Jerusalem 9270401, Israel.
Abstract:
The rapid worldwide spread of antimicrobial resistance highlights the significant need for the development of innovative treatments to fight multidrug-resistant bacteria. This study describes the potent antimicrobial activity of the novel peptide OMN6 against a wide array of drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates. OMN6 prevented the growth of all tested isolates, regardless of any pre-existing resistance mechanisms. Moreover, in vitro serial-passaging studies demonstrated that no resistance developed against OMN6. Importantly, OMN6 was highly efficacious in treating animal models of lung and blood infections caused by multidrug-resistant A. baumannii. Taken together, these results point to OMN6 as a novel antimicrobial agent with the potential to treat life-threatening infections caused by multidrug-resistant A. baumannii avoiding resistance.
Insights
A new peptide, OMN6, shows strong antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. This novel treatment effectively combats infections in animal models and does not appear to induce resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health threat, particularly from multidrug-resistant bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii.
- There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic agents to overcome existing resistance mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the novel peptide OMN6 against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
- To assess the potential for resistance development against OMN6.
- To determine the in vivo efficacy of OMN6 in treating relevant infection models.
Main Methods:
- Testing OMN6 activity against a diverse panel of Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates.
- Conducting in vitro serial-passaging studies to assess resistance development.
- Evaluating OMN6 efficacy in murine models of lung and bloodstream infections.
Main Results:
- OMN6 demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against all tested multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates.
- No resistance to OMN6 was observed in vitro, even after serial passaging.
- OMN6 treatment was highly effective in clearing infections in animal models.
Conclusions:
- OMN6 is a promising novel antimicrobial agent with broad-spectrum activity against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
- The lack of observed resistance development suggests OMN6 could be a valuable tool in combating challenging bacterial infections.
- OMN6 holds potential for treating severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
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