New antibiotics that are degradable in the environmentScientists at the Leuphana University of Lüneburg developed cleavable antibiotics based on fluoroquinolones by targeted changes of the molecular structure. As a result, the environmental degradability can be improved and the antibiotics can be inactivated rapidly after application. The present invention thus enables a balance between degradability in the environment and sufficient stability and efficacy in therapy. ChallengeToday, water analyzes show that nearly two hundred different pharmaceuticals can be found worldwide in wastewater treatment plants, surface waters, groundwater and also drinking water in concentration ranges up to µg/l (e.g. Ciprofloxacin in waste water of Swiss hospitals between 2-83 µg/l). These impurities result from application in human and animal medicine. They are now perceived as a risk to water quality and a sustainable management of water resources. The use of today's non-degradable antibiotics leads to a steady accumulation in the water. This promotes resistance development when large areas with relevant bacteria are exposed to sufficient concentrations of active ingredients and, in addition, reduces water quality in general. Our SolutionScientists at the Leuphana University of Lüneburg developed biodegradable antibiotic variants based on fluoroquinolones by means of targeted molecular structure changes. This can improve the degradability in the environment and can at least neutralize the activity and the toxicity of the metabolites and fragments. Advantages
ApplicationsSustainable antibiotic therapies through environmentally degradable antibiotics (human and animal health care). Developmental StatusIn vitro feasibility studies of the first test substances based on fluoroquinolones were successfully completed. Patent StatusTwo priority patent applications were filed (Applicant Invention 1: Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Applicant Invention 2: Leuphana University of Lüneburg and Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel). References
ContactDr. Stefan Uhle |