Donsir
science

Hamilton Discovery: First New Antibiotic in Nearly 30 Years

McMaster researchers, led by chemical biologist Gerry Wright, have discovered lariocidin, which has a lasso-like shape and disrupts bacterial protein production—a promising development in the fight against drug-resistant infections.

April 2, 2025

Summary

•

A team led by Gerry Wright at McMaster University discovered lariocidin, a new lasso peptide antibiotic.
•

The compound uniquely targets the ribosome at a site that existing drugs do not affect, halting protein synthesis.
•

Extracted from Paenibacillus found in backyard soil that was maintained in a lab for a year, it fights multidrug-resistant bacteria.
•

Lariocidin shows low toxicity in human cells and encouraging results in animal infection models.
•

Researchers are now optimizing the molecule for clinical development as antimicrobial resistance increases.

Researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, have discovered a new class of antibiotic—the first in nearly three decades.

Led by chemical biologist Gerry Wright, the team uncovered lariocidin, a novel lasso peptide that works by disrupting the bacterial machinery needed for protein production.

The journey began with a simple act: collecting soil from a Hamilton backyard. Over the span of about a year, the researchers carefully nurtured the microbial life hidden in that soil under strictly controlled laboratory conditions. This effort led to the isolation of an elusive strain of Paenibacillus, which, instead of producing any known antibiotic, produced lariocidin—a compound that stands strong even against bacteria resistant to standard treatments.

Gerry Wright explains the urgency behind the work: "Our traditional drugs are faltering as bacteria evolve resistance." He stresses that antibiotic-resistant infections do more than just strain healthcare budgets; they cause profound personal suffering and disrupt family lives. This underscores why finding innovative treatments like lariocidin is not merely important—it is essential.

Lariocidin’s strength lies in its distinct lasso-shaped structure, which isn’t just a chemical novelty. It provides remarkable stability, enabling the molecule to combat bacteria with multiple lines of defense. Initial experiments indicate that lariocidin is non-toxic to human cells and effective in animal models—crucial early steps on the complex process to clinical use.

Now, the team at McMaster faces the daunting task of moving lariocidin toward clinical trials. This phase is both complex and costly, made even more challenging by rigorous regulatory requirements. While the initial discovery is extraordinary, Wright is quick to point out that the next hurdle is re-engineering the molecule for large-scale production.

The promise of lariocidin is exciting because it hints at a future where even the most stubborn drug-resistant infections may be overcome, offering relief to countless patients and families. Moreover, the economic implications are significant. In an industry that traditionally favors treatments for chronic conditions, this discovery highlights the critical need to boost antibiotic research to better address evolving healthcare challenges.

The challenges ahead are significant. Transforming lariocidin into a fully approved therapeutic agent will require extensive structural refinements, rigorous pharmacological testing, and the continuous hunt for reliable funding. Yet every step forward brings us closer to the potential of overcoming antimicrobial resistance and easing the burden of drug-resistant infections on so many lives.