A new synthetic agent to combat Acinetobacter baumannii

Our scientists have developed a new compound with high antibacterial activity against one of the most dangerous pathogens of nosocomial infections – Acinetobacter baumannii. The results are protected by patent No. UA 159859 U.

The compound N-azepan-2-ylidene-N’-(phenylpyrazolyl)hydrazone has been developed, which:

1. – belongs to a new class of hydrazones;
2. – exhibits high antibacterial activity specifically against Acinetobacter baumannii, on which traditional antibiotics often do not work due to multiple resistance;
3. – outperforms antibiotics such as gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and even azithromycin.

It should be noted that Acinetobacter baumannii is on the WHO list of global priority pathogens due to its ability to survive on medical equipment, resistance to many antibiotics, high mortality in immunocompromised patients, and prevalence in hospitals during wartime.

During the full-scale war in Ukraine, the number of serious injuries requiring long-term inpatient treatment has increased significantly. In such conditions, nosocomial infections have become one of the most common threats to wounded soldiers.

Among them, Acinetobacter baumannii is particularly dangerous, a bacterium known for its ability to:

• colonize surgical wounds, burns, and ventilator equipment;
• survive in conditions of increased sterility;

to form multi- and pan-resistant strains, against which most standard antibiotics are ineffective.

New molecules are needed!

According to Ukrainian studies, up to 90% of hospital-acquired infections in wounded are associated with gram-negative bacteria, in particular A. baumannii. Its prevalence in intensive care units and military hospitals has made it a key clinical problem.

In conditions of combat, where there is a massive use of antibiotics, particularly for prophylactic purposes, the likelihood of the formation of superbugs for which there are no drugs increases. Acinetobacter baumannii is already on the WHO priority list as one of the pathogens against which it is urgently necessary to create new antibacterial agents.

That is why the synthesis of a new active molecule with proven efficacy against A. baumannii is not only a scientific achievement, but also a practical response to the medical catastrophe unfolding in mobile hospitals and on the war front.

The new molecule was found to be 2–8 times more effective than the aforementioned antibiotics. The research was conducted in collaboration with the international platform CO-ADD (Australia).

Advantages and potential

• May become the basis for the creation of a new generation of antibiotics;
• Particularly promising for use in military surgery and intensive care;
• Subject to further preclinical study and optimization.

This development is an important step in overcoming the antibiotic resistance crisis, especially in the context of the increase in infections during martial law. Ukrainian scientists once again prove their ability to create world-class innovative solutions.