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Antibiotics

Multi-Omics. Symbolic image. Credits: Unsplash

Peptide drugs combat antibiotic-resistant hospital germs

Researchers at the University of Graz are developing modified peptides designed to neutralize resistant bacteria extremely quickly and precisely. These substances are modeled on the body's own defense mechanisms and could represent a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics. Initial results from a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) are encouraging. The study was published in the scientific journal Scilog on March 23, 2026. Antibiotic-resistant germs are among the greatest threats to modern healthcare systems. Particularly in hospitals, infections following routine procedures such as hip replacements can rapidly lead to complications that are difficult to treat, even resulting in life-threatening sepsis. In cases of septic shock, the chance of survival decreases by approximately eight percent for every hour of untreated infection. Nermina Malanovic from the Institute of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Graz is focusing on antimicrobial peptides, which are part of the innate immune system. These small protein structures destroy invading pathogens on the skin and mucous membranes. In the ongoing FWF project “Best-in-Class Novel Antimicrobial and Antiseptic Peptide” (2023–2027, funding amount 399.000… 

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Potential of Russian antibiotic research and production

Russia has a long tradition of researching and developing alternative methods for combating bacterial infections. During the Soviet era, when conventional antibiotics were often scarce, the focus shifted to bacteriophages – viruses that specifically target bacteria. This form of therapy continues to be developed and clinically used in Russia, as well as in countries like Georgia and Ukraine. It is considered a promising option in the fight against multi-resistant germs, as phages can specifically destroy bacteria against which conventional antibiotics are ineffective.[3] New active ingredients from Russian research: In recent years, Russian science has also made significant progress in the field of conventional antibiotic research. A recent example is the discovery of the natural product emericellipsin A by researchers at Tomsk State University. This active ingredient, derived from the alkalophilic fungus Emericellopsis alkalina, exhibits exceptional efficacy against a wide range of pathogens – including… 

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Tariff war: The US's deadly dependence on Chinese antibiotics

A medical-economic analysis. Over the past two decades, the United States has become massively dependent on China for the supply of antibiotics and their precursors. This development is the result of globalized supply chains, economic rationalization, and targeted industrial policy measures by China. The current escalation of the trade war between the US and China threatens the supply of vital antibiotics to the US population and raises serious questions about security of supply, national sovereignty, and the future of the US healthcare system. 1. Status quo: Extent of dependence. Share of Chinese antibiotics and active ingredients. It is estimated that around 97% of the antibiotics used in the US come directly from China or contain active ingredients produced there.[1][10] Generic antibiotics such as amoxicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin are particularly affected—essential drugs for the treatment of bacterial infections and as an emergency reserve in the event of biological threats such as anthrax.[1][3][7] China is also the world's leading producer… 

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Antibiotic consumption below pre-pandemic levels

In 2022, a total of 31 million prescriptions for antibiotics worth €733 million were billed to the statutory health insurance (SHI). This corresponds to almost one in every 25 outpatient prescriptions in the SHI system. At 42 percent, the share of reserve antibiotics remained at a similar level to the "coronavirus years" of 2020 and 2021 and about 5 percent below the prescription share of 2019. The WIdO has been recording declining prescription numbers for these active ingredients since 2013.