Geneva: Molecules to prevent hospital-acquired bacterial infections

Licensing opportunity

Researchers at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, are seeking to license molecules that prevent opportunistic infections. The invention targets Gram-negative bacteria virulence factors called rhamnolipids, which lead to bacterial infection. Antagonising these lipids stops the bacteria from spreading and causing infection.

Effective drugs for the treatment of infections caused by opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other Gram-negative bacteria are scarce. Developing anti-bacterial drugs is essential in view of reducing the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections, which in the US and Europe are estimated to affect 5 to 10 per cent of patients.

Rhamnolipids are bacterial virulence factors that can be neutralised by molecules that can stop bacteria infiltrating epithelial layers such as in the lungs, so preventing Gram-negative bacterial infections. Researchers at the university have developed a method to produce non-toxic rhamnose antagonists cost effectively, in such a way that bacterial invasion is prevented without exacerbation of bacterial resistance.

Other advantages of these anti-bacterial rhamnose antagonists, demonstrated through in vitro work with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are their long-lasting action and their ability to prevent bacteria from contaminating materials and medical devices used in surgical interventions or intensive care, so reducing the risk of long-term infections.