Explorer de nouvelles cibles et de nouveaux modes d’action

Bioinspired molecules for anti-mycobacterial drug development

Bioactive compounds extracted from natural sources are well represented among frequently prescribed drugs, especially as antibacterial agents and anticancer drugs. A class of abundant yet underexplored natural products are naturally occurring lipids. In the search of effective drugs acting through new modes of action, we are evaluating a family of lipids inspired by natural compounds isolated from medicinal plants with promising in vitro anti-mycobacterial activity. In collaboration with chemistry groups from LCC and SPCMIB, we seek to improve their activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as well as other pathogenic mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium abscessus and their pharmacokinetic profile. Using multiple approaches, we are elucidating their mode of action, identifying their mycobacterial targets and validating their therapeutic efficacy.