Glox Therapeutics
Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance with Precision-Engineered Protein Bacteriocins
Glox Therapeutics is an innovation partnership project between the University of Glasgow and the University of Oxford, focused on developing precision-engineered protein bacteriocins to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Led by Prof Daniel Walker, this initiative aims to create new treatments that can effectively target and neutralize antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The Vision
The recent gradual decline in antibiotic discovery and development, and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in many human pathogens poses a major threat to global human health. It is estimated that antibiotic insufficiencies account for around 1.27 million deaths per year. This prediction is expected to increase to 10 million AMR-associated deaths globally per year by 2050, at a cost of $100 trillion.
The vision behind Glox Therapeutics is to address the growing global threat of AMR by developing novel therapeutics that can selectively target pathogenic bacteria without harming beneficial microbes. This approach aims to provide a sustainable solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Development and Features
Glox Therapeutics leverages advanced protein engineering techniques to design bacteriocins—proteins produced by bacteria that can kill or inhibit the growth of other bacteria. These engineered bacteriocins are tailored to target specific pathogens, offering a precise and effective treatment option.
Precision Targeting
Development of bacteriocins that specifically target antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Collaborative Research
Involvement of multidisciplinary teams from the University of Glasgow and industry partners to advance the research and development process.
Support from the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS)
The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS) at the University of Glasgow has been instrumental in supporting the Everyday Clean project. Through the support of the Translational Research Initiative, Professor Robinson and her team explored the role of storytelling to engage people and communities in Everyday Clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) interventions.
Through the assessment of hygiene standards as part of the project, information for local communities was formatted into accessible visual and digital content, educating, and leading to positive health changes in individuals, families, and their livestock.
Impact and potential
Everyday Clean has successfully engaged communities in Kenya, leading to positive health changes in individuals, families, and their livestock. The project has highlighted the importance of integrating animal presence and related hygiene practices into WaSH interventions, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings.
Future prospects
The Everyday Clean team continues to refine their approach and expand their reach. Their ultimate goal is to create sustainable hygiene practices that improve health outcomes and reduce the transmission of diseases in low-income communities.
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