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Updated: Aug 16, 2025

Quadruple-Checkerboard: A Modification of the Three-Dimensional Checkerboard for Studying Drug Combinations
Published on: July 24, 2021
Fighting antibiotic resistance-strategies and (pre)clinical developments to find new antibacterials
Sebastian Walesch1,2,3,4, Joy Birkelbach1,2,3,4, Gwenaëlle Jézéquel1,3
1Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarbrücken, Germany.
Abstract:
Antibacterial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health. The development of new therapeutics against bacterial pathogens has slowed drastically since the approvals of the first antibiotics in the early and mid-20th century. Most of the currently investigated drug leads are modifications of approved antibacterials, many of which are derived from natural products. In this review, we highlight the challenges, advancements and current standing of the clinical and preclinical antibacterial research pipeline. Additionally, we present novel strategies for rejuvenating the discovery process and advocate for renewed and enthusiastic investment in the antibacterial discovery pipeline.
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