All articles tagged with #drug resistance
A new study in Nature introduces a molecular glue degrader that eliminates ALK kinase enzymes, offering a potential solution for lung cancer cases that develop resistance to standard inhibitors. This approach aims to prevent cancer recurrence by removing the target protein entirely rather than just blocking its function.
Merck has ceased manufacturing and marketing Recarbrio in the US, citing portfolio reviews rather than safety issues. The drug, a combination of imipenem-cilastatin and relebactam, was approved in 2019 for multidrug-resistant infections, including those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase. While experts note alternative treatments exist for some pathogens, the withdrawal leaves a gap for difficult-to-treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa cases. Critics argue this move highlights the economic unsustainability of new antibiotics, which are used sparingly due to stewardship guidelines, raising concerns about future pediatric access and the need for legislative support like the PASTEUR Act.
Baylor College of Medicine scientists have developed an experimental drug called CS18 that targets a central biological regulator to overcome cancer treatment resistance. By inhibiting the TopBP1 protein, CS18 weakens multiple survival pathways in tumor cells, restoring their sensitivity to existing therapies like osimertinib and PARP inhibitors. Early tests in animal models showed reduced tumor growth with minimal toxicity, suggesting potential for future combination treatments.
Researchers report a global uptick in infections from Trichophyton indotineae, a drug-resistant fungus linked to more severe ringworm. Using the MSI network and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, labs across 54 countries identified the fungus in 29 countries between 2022 and 2025, with identifications tripling and the share of Trichophyton spectra rising from 1.2% to 3.6%. The study maps lab detections—not exact case counts—and notes limited access to diagnostic tech in some regions, underscoring the need for broader surveillance and public-health action.
Researchers from the University of Nairobi's Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis presented at the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, outlining evidence gaps and potential paths to safely simplify HIV treatment for ageing populations, determine next steps when resistance to HIV medicines arises, and strengthen protections for mothers and children.
A Nature Perspective argues that cancer drug resistance can arise from adaptive cellular states learned by the AP-1 transcription factor network. By combinatorial AP-1 binding, stress-induced feedback, and epigenetic memory, AP-1 can reprogram the genome to create drug-tolerant states, effectively encoding a population-level memory that guides ongoing resistance and potentially informing broader biology beyond cancer.
CNIO researchers report a triple-drug regimen that blocks the KRAS signaling pathway at three points—using daraxonrasib, afatinib, and SD36—to induce durable tumor regression and prevent resistance in three mouse models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with minimal toxicity. While promising, they caution that the approach is not yet ready for clinical trials and would require further development to adapt for human use, per the PNAS study.
A new study using climate models warns that Aspergillus fungi, including A. fumigatus, could expand their geographic range as temperatures rise, increasing risk of invasive infections in people and mycotoxin-related crop losses. The spread is amplified by azole resistance driven by overlapping use of antifungicides in agriculture and medicine. Experts call for coordinated monitoring, better diagnostics, and stronger climate action to limit spread and mitigate health and agricultural impacts.
A deadly, drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris is spreading globally, particularly in U.S. hospitals, posing a significant health threat due to its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and ability to spread on surfaces and equipment. Researchers warn that current diagnostics and treatments lag behind the fungus's evolution, emphasizing the urgent need for new antifungal agents, improved detection, and increased awareness, especially in resource-poor countries. Despite challenges, recent studies suggest potential vulnerabilities in the fungus that could lead to new treatment strategies.
A deadly, drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris is spreading globally, particularly in U.S. hospitals, posing a significant health threat due to its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and difficulty in detection. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for new treatments, improved diagnostics, and better infection control measures to combat this emerging superbug.
A drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris is rapidly spreading across U.S. hospitals and globally, posing a serious health threat due to its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and ability to survive on surfaces and skin. Experts warn that current diagnostics and treatments are insufficient, emphasizing the need for new antifungal agents, better surveillance, and awareness to combat this emerging superbug.
A deadly, drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris has infected at least 7,000 people across 27 U.S. states in 2025, spreading rapidly in healthcare settings and potentially worsened by climate change, with no effective treatments for resistant strains, posing a significant public health threat.
A deadly, drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris has infected at least 7,000 people across 27 U.S. states in 2025, spreading rapidly in healthcare settings and posing a significant public health threat due to its resistance to treatment and possible links to climate change.
The article discusses the recent FDA approval of two new antibiotics for gonorrhea, highlighting the innovative, not-for-profit development model of zoliflodacin by GARDP, which aims to make essential antibiotics more accessible globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, amidst rising antimicrobial resistance.
Antifungal resistance in Candida, the fungi causing thrush, is rising, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of severe and recurrent cases. This resistance is driven by genetic mutations, biofilm formation, misuse of antifungal drugs, and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of proper medication use and microbiome health to prevent resistant strains.