AI drugs to tackle MRSA signal second golden age in antibiotics discovery

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have harnessed artificial intelligence to design two innovative antibiotics capable of combating superbugs such as MRSA. This breakthrough could usher in a new era for the discovery of these vital drugs, a sector where much of the pharmaceutical industry had lost momentum in recent decades.

Using advanced AI models, the MIT team screened more than 36 potential compounds. These were analysed for antimicrobial properties, with the most promising candidates synthesised for laboratory testing. When trialled on bacteria and in mice infected with antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea and MRSA, these compounds demonstrated robust antibacterial activity, clearing MRSA skin infections in animal models.

The senior author, Professor James Collins, expressed enthusiasm for the significant opportunities presented by AI in drug development. He emphasised that this approach makes it possible to explore vast chemical spaces previously beyond the reach of traditional discovery methods. The researchers are already considering extending this AI-driven technique to fight other deadly pathogens, such as tuberculosis.

Currently, most antibiotics in circulation were developed throughout the mid-20th century. Worryingly, resistance to these medications is rising at a global scale, rendering common infections, once easily treatable, potentially lethal. Data from 2023 reveal more than a million deaths annually are attributed to antimicrobial resistance, with over 66,000 severe cases recorded in the UK alone last year.

The MIT team’s strategy involved focusing on chemical structures entirely distinct from existing antibiotics. Dr Aarti Krishnan, a co-author, highlighted that avoiding similarities with current drugs is vital to delay or prevent the emergence of further resistance. The aim is to tackle the antimicrobial resistance crisis by fundamentally changing the principles guiding new drug development.

The journey from laboratory breakthroughs to medicines prescribed to patients remains lengthy, with further refinements and extensive clinical trials needed before these compounds reach the market. Nevertheless, the financial and societal implications are profound. Investors and policymakers will be closely monitoring the evolution of AI-driven pharmaceutical innovation, which may become one of the most disruptive forces in healthcare and life sciences over the coming decade.