Among the subspecies of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (MNT), Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is becoming the most widespread and most worrying pathogen for CF centers worldwide. Indeed, Mab is resistant to many drugs thanks to its physiology and the acquisition of new antibiotic resistance mechanisms. In light of the results achieved in previous projects such as FFC#19/2018  and the most recent pilot project FFC#14/2020, the main objective is to understand whether “11226084”, a highly effective compound against Mab and partially characterized in previous projects may represent a promising drug for use in therapy against Mab. To pursue the objective of the project, the researchers will perform toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies and will investigate the mechanism of action of the compound. The activity of gene correctors alone and in combination with “11226084” and/or current drugs against Mab will also be evaluated and in vivo tests will be performed on mouse models.

XIX Convention FFC Ricerca – download here a brief presentation of the project