Repurposing Drugs to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from University of Helsinki Research

Repurposing Drugs to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance: Insights from University of Helsinki Research

(IN BRIEF) In his doctoral research at the University of Helsinki, Matej Zore demonstrated the potential of repurposing the drugs fingolimod and etrasimod, originally developed for autoimmune diseases, to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These drugs showed notable efficacy against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE. By creating derivatives to enhance antibacterial potency, Zore identified an etrasimod derivative with strong effectiveness, low toxicity, and reduced risk of resistance development. He emphasized that drug repurposing offers a faster, cost-effective alternative to traditional antibiotic development, though further studies are needed to understand mechanisms and test in animal models. Zore’s work highlights drug repurposing as a promising strategy to address the growing AMR crisis.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 18-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a groundbreaking doctoral thesis at the University of Helsinki, researcher Matej Zore explored innovative ways to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by repurposing existing drugs. His study focused on fingolimod and etrasimod, originally developed for autoimmune diseases, demonstrating their potential as effective antibacterial agents against drug-resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

Zore’s research highlights the benefits of drug repurposing as a strategy to fast-track solutions to the global AMR crisis. “Repurposing existing drugs circumvents many of the time-consuming and costly steps of traditional antibiotic development. Since these drugs already have known safety profiles, this approach can significantly reduce both cost and development timelines,” Zore explains.

A significant part of the study involved creating derivatives of the two drugs to enhance their antibacterial properties. Among these, a derivative of etrasimod showed remarkable efficacy against MRSA, with low toxicity and a reduced likelihood of fostering resistance—making it a promising candidate for future clinical development.

Zore emphasizes the broader potential of this approach, noting that similar methods could be applied to other compounds. “Drug repurposing is becoming an attractive avenue in antibiotic research, as screening approved or investigational drugs for antibacterial activity can accelerate the discovery of effective treatments,” he says.

While this method shows promise, Zore is cautious about its broader applicability. “Although the potential is evident, further research is necessary to understand how these drugs work against bacteria and to evaluate their effectiveness in animal models. It remains to be seen if drug repurposing can fully address the challenges of antimicrobial resistance.”

Zore defended his thesis, titled Drug Repurposing to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance: The Story of Fingolimod and Etrasimod, on October 11, 2024, at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki. His research was supervised by Professor Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma, with Professor Fredrik Almqvist from Umeå University serving as the opponent.

This press release was written by the author to shed light on this innovative approach to addressing the urgent global issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent and serious public health threats globally. Every year, millions of infections become increasingly difficult—and in some cases, impossible—to treat due to resistant bacteria. This does not just affect people with serious infections, but also poses risks to routine medical procedures like surgeries, cancer treatments, and organ transplants, which rely on effective antibiotics to prevent infections. Without effective antibiotics, even minor infections or injuries could become life-threatening. We are already seeing the impact of antibiotic resistance, with resistant infections leading to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality. However, while the threat of antimicrobial resistance is becoming more widely recognized, what is often overlooked is the complex, multidisciplinary nature of finding solutions. The challenge is not just about discovering new antibiotics—it is also about addressing the underlying causes that drive resistance, such as the misuse of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and daily life. Public education concerning responsible antibiotic use is critical, and policy reforms that limit overuse and incentivize research into alternatives are equally important.

Media Contact:

Matej Zore
Doctoral Researche
Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology
matej.zore@helsinki.fi

SOURCE: University of Helsinki