In a significant medical breakthrough, scientists from Visakhapatnam have secured a patent for a novel drug molecule designed to combat the widespread Helicobacter pylori bacterium with precision. The research team from the Centre for Advanced-Applied Biological Sciences and Entrepreneurship (TCABS-E), incubated at Andhra University, developed the molecule named MA01027.
A Targeted Approach to a Global Health Menace
The newly patented molecule has been specifically engineered to target the CagA protein, a key virulence factor of H. pylori, without damaging beneficial gut bacteria. This addresses a major drawback of conventional broad-spectrum antibiotics, which often disrupt healthy gut microbiota. Dr. Ravikiran Yedidi, founder of TCABS-E, and his student Madhumita Aggunna led the research.
"This has been a global medical concern for which there has been no effective targeted solution so far," stated the team. H. pylori infects an estimated 45% of the world's population and is a known cause of gastritis, gastric ulcers, and can increase the risk of gastric cancer.
Collaborative Research and Promising Results
The study was conducted at TCABS-E Laboratories in collaboration with the department of gastroenterology at King George Hospital and Andhra Medical College (KGH/AMC). The clinical team at KGH/AMC provided crucial biopsy samples from patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection, allowing for evaluation using real patient samples.
After screening 30 chemical compounds, researchers identified MA01027. Laboratory tests confirmed the molecule exhibited over 99% inhibitory activity against H. pylori growth under experimental conditions. Dr. Yedidi explained that the molecule was developed using computer-aided design to selectively inhibit the CagA protein, which disrupts host cell signalling and drives disease progression.
Importantly, further testing showed MA01027 does not act against other bacteria like E. coli or Lactobacillus, meaning it spares the beneficial probiotic bacteria essential for gut health.
Path Forward: Trials and Future Impact
The researchers are now planning advanced studies, including animal studies and human clinical trials. They intend to continue their collaboration with KGH/AMC during this phase. Following successful clinical evaluation and regulatory approvals, the team aims to move towards commercialisation of the drug.
This targeted approach promises a more precise therapeutic strategy against H. pylori infections. It has the potential to reduce treatment-related side effects and combat the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, offering new hope for millions affected by this common bacterial infection.
