Heart Drug Fights Antibiotic Resistance
- A heart arrhythmia drug, fendiline, may offer a new weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to Emory university research.
- Researchers discovered that fendiline, a calcium channel blocker, effectively kills the drug-resistant bacteria by targeting its weakened lipoprotein trafficking pathway.
- Philip Rather, professor at Emory University School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of finding better treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, especially for vulnerable patients.
Emory University research reveals a surprising new weapon in the fight against superbugs: a repurposed heart drug. Fendiline,a calcium channel blocker,effectively combats antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii by targeting its lipoprotein trafficking pathway. This innovative approach offers a potential breakthrough in treating serious hospital-acquired infections. This discovery, published in PNAS, could revolutionize treatments for vulnerable patients. Because fendiline is already FDA-approved, expect fast-tracked clinical trials, which is excellent news! Discover how this could lead to new antibiotics targeting similar pathways, ensuring a healthier future, especially for those battling hard-to-treat infections. Stay informed with News Directory 3.Discover what’s next in antibiotic resistance treatment.
Repurposed Heart Drug Shows Promise Against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Updated June 10, 2025
A heart arrhythmia drug, fendiline, may offer a new weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to Emory university research. The study, published in PNAS, explores how fendiline combats Acinetobacter baumannii, a highly infectious bacterium common in hospitals.
Researchers discovered that fendiline, a calcium channel blocker, effectively kills the drug-resistant bacteria by targeting its weakened lipoprotein trafficking pathway. This novel approach could lead to quicker treatments for serious hospital-acquired infections.
Philip Rather, professor at Emory University School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of finding better treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, especially for vulnerable patients. Jennifer Colquhoun, research scientist at Emory, noted that this finding opens doors for new antibiotics targeting similar pathways.
“It’s critical that we find more and better therapeutics that can target these antibiotic-resistant infections which affect patients on ventilators, those with deep soft tissue infections, and the immunocompromised,” said Philip Rather, Ph.D.
Because fendiline is already FDA-approved, clinical trials could be expedited, offering a potential fast-track solution for treating infections that are currently hard to manage. The drug’s selective action also preserves healthy gut bacteria.
What’s next
Further research will focus on optimizing fendiline’s effectiveness and exploring its potential against other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Clinical trials are anticipated to assess its safety and efficacy in treating hospital-acquired infections.