Technology Development Board and Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR) with ₹75 Lakhs Grant for Innovative Antibiotic Development Project
- In an innovative initiative aimed at propelling healthcare innovation forward, the Technology Development Board has sanctioned a grant of ₹75 Lakhs towards the project "ANAGRANINF".
- It is Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections.
New Antibiotic to Fight Drug-Resistant Bacteria
- This project aims to develop a new type of antibiotic to combat serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria.
- These bacteria are especially difficult to treat because they have multiple ways to resist drugs.
What are gram-negative bacteria?
- They have a different cell wall structure than other bacteria, making them harder to kill with antibiotics.
- They can quickly develop resistance to new drugs and share this resistance with other bacteria.
- These bacteria can cause serious infections like pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections.
The Project's Goal
- Develop a new drug (antibiotic) that can target a specific enzyme (FabI) in gram-negative bacteria.
- This new drug would be effective against these hard-to-treat infections.
Who is Funding This Project?
- The Technology Development Board (TDB) is a government agency that supports the development of new technologies in India.
- The TDB funds research projects and helps companies bring new technologies to market.
Prelims Takeaway
- Gram-negative bacteria
- Drug-Resistant Bacteria