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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
08:08
Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
Chemical innovation and scaffold refinement in FDA-approved antibiotics (2015-2025)
Andressa Franciélli Bonjorno1, Diogo Boreski1, Guilherme F S Fernandes2
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, 14800903, Brazil.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Medicinal chemistry innovations are crucial for developing new antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recent FDA-approved drugs highlight advances in chemical scaffolds and novel targets to overcome multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Drug Discovery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, diminishing the efficacy of existing antibiotics.
- The pace of antibiotic drug discovery is challenged by the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to replenish the antibiotic pipeline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in medicinal chemistry for developing new antibiotics.
- To examine structural frameworks, structure-activity relationships (SARs), and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles of novel antibacterial agents.
- To highlight innovative strategies and targets for combating AMR.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for novel antibiotics.
- Analysis of structural features and SARs of new antibacterial agents.
- Examination of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these agents.
Main Results:
- Medicinal chemistry is driving innovation, leading to new antibiotic approvals.
- Targeted chemical modifications have improved antibacterial spectrum, binding affinity, and resistance profiles.
- Novel strategies like siderophore-mediated uptake and targeting topoisomerases show promise.
Conclusions:
- Medicinal chemistry plays a pivotal role in addressing the AMR crisis.
- Advances in chemical scaffolds and novel targets are reshaping the antibiotic development landscape.
- Sustained therapeutic efficacy against MDR pathogens relies on continued medicinal chemistry innovation.
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