Due to the rapid evolution and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria worldwide, our ability to control bacterial infections is now under threat. This crisis is driven notably by (i) the misuse and massive overuse of antibiotics in the medical and veterinary fields and (ii) the lack of development of novel and efficient antibiotics. Indeed, it is estimated that more than 50% of antibiotics produced worldwide are used for food producing animals with as much as 75% of these antibiotics directly excreted in the environment. Additionally, major pharmaceutic companies stopped or scaled down their antibiotics research. As a result, alarming reports predict millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of deaths caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria if no action is undertaken. The aim of our project is to develop innovative antibiotics to tackle this major scientific and societal question.
