Cell wall synthesis inhibitors

Beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit the cell-wall biosynthesis of bacteria. They have proved to be safe and effective, and remain a popular choice of the physician, comprising more than half of the hospital anti-infective market.

 

There are opportunities for new compounds that overcome the plethora of resistance mechanisms that have become deeply entrenched due to the widespread use of early generation beta-lactams.

 

Detailed enzymology studies performed by Basilea, and a proprietary collection of more than 30 X-ray crystal structures of target enzymes and their inhibitor complexes, have helped to demonstrate how to overcome the resistance mechanisms.

 

Using this knowledge, Basilea has initiated chemistry programs on new classes of beta-lactams.