Drug to battle superbugs

Scientists are one step closer to developing a new antibiotic capable of killing superbugs like MRSA.

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have recreated a molecule which bacteria use to kill other microorganisms in soil – and successfully used it to cure MRSA in mice. It is hoped the molecule will be used to create a powerful new drug to tackle antibiotic-resistant bugs, and is cheap to produce.

Such medicines are “urgently needed” to fight the growing number of antibiotic-resistant infections, says Professor William Hope, director of the University’s Centre of Excellence in Infectious Disease Research.