Work

Inhibition of Antibiotic Efflux in Bacteria by the Novel Multidrug Resistance Inhibitors Biricodar (VX-710) and Timcodar (VX-853)

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: Inhibitors of mammalian multidrug efflux, such as the plant alkaloid reserpine, are also active in potentiating antibiotic activity by inhibiting bacterial efflux. Based on this precedent, two novel mammalian multiple drug resistance inhibitors, biricodar (VX-710) and timcodar (VX-853), were evaluated for activity in a variety of bacteria. Both VX-710 and VX-853 potentiated the activity of ethidium bromide (EtBr), a model efflux substrate, against three clinically significant gram-positive pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Similar to reserpine, VX-710 and VX-853 directly blocked EtBr efflux in S. aureus. Furthermore, these compounds were effective in lowering the MICs of several clinically used antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones, suggesting that VX-710 and VX-853 are representatives of a new class of bacterial efflux inhibitors with the potential for use in combination therapy.

Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.11.4171-4176.2004

Authors: Steve Mullin, Nagraj Mani, Trudy H. Grossman

Institution: Vertex Pharmaceuticals (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad