Peptides against hospital germs: the long road to market readiness

Nermina Malanovic is researching active substances against multi-resistant pathogens. Photo: University of Graz/Tzivanopoulos

Multiresistant germs are a threat to global health. At the University of Graz, Nermina Malanovic is researching peptides as a potential new weapon. Thanks to external funding, the preclinical phase for this alternative to conventional antibiotics has been able to start.

For decades, it was unthinkable that a simple infection could suddenly become life-threatening. But according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this is one of the three greatest threats to public health. The reason: the increasing spread of multiresistant bacteria, which could cause around ten million deaths by 2050. Researchers around the world are therefore searching for new treatments against live threatening hospital germs.

One promising solution is peptides – tiny proteins that Nermina Malanovic is researching at the University of Graz. These small molecules can penetrate the outer wall of cells and break them open. Without this protective skin, bacteria cannot survive. This allows the organisms to be stopped before they cause any damage. Malanovic has already registered two patents for her research.

Preclinical

Thanks to her success, Nermina is often asked where these peptides can be obtained. Unfortunately, the answer is still nowhere. However, that could change soon. "A medical incubator has taken notice of my research," explains Malanovic. The company is financing the preclinical studies with a seven-figure sum – the first step in the development of drugs.

This also presents the researcher with new challenges. "You have to understand the mechanisms of action really well in order to plan the preclinical trials correctly," explains the molecular biologist. She is therefore in constant contact with the incubator's experts. She now also has a team of students at her side to support her in further development.

Cancer research

In addition to combating the dreaded hospital germs, the researcher sees another possible application. "One of the patents also focuses on the treatment of cancer cells," says Malanovic. The results of studies to date make her confident that peptides are also capable of destroying the outer shell of malignant tumour cells. "That would be a completely new approach to cancer therapy," says Malanovic.

There is still a long way to go before her research can be turned into marketable active ingredients. Once the preclinical challenges have been overcome, the most difficult phase begins: clinical trials on humans. This will require additional investors. But that is still a long way off. "For now, the motto is: Grind, grind, grind," emphasises Malanovic.

Roman Vilgut

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