At our institute in Saarbrücken, we focus on the development of new anti-infectives. Our groups work closely with groups at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig to find new approaches to combat pathogens. Of particular interest are molecules from natural sources such as soil bacteria. These microbial natural products often have antimicrobial properties and represent the basis for the development of novel antibiotics. The department of Rolf Müller at HIPS (Microbial Natural Products) collaborates closely with the department "Microbial Drugs" led by Marc Stadler at HZI. As an example of the joint workflow, the following video shows the development of promising drug candidates against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and malaria.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming an increasing threat to human health. It is estimated that nearly 1.3 million deaths were caused by resistant bacteria in 2019. To raise public awareness and understanding of AMR in general, the annual World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) has been launched. This year's theme is "Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together". This not only encourages us to work together against AMR, but also shows that this problem cannot be solved alone.
Anna Hirsch's Drug Design and Optimisation department at HIPS joins forces with Prof. Brönstrup's Chemical Biology department at HZI and Dr. Rox's PK/PD unit at the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF). Together, the researchers develop drug candidates targeting bacterial DNA polymerase, which serves as a promising means for the targeted killing of bacteria.
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