Wouldn't it be wonderful if antibiotic resistance was a thing of the past– not a threat for the future? The solution to the antibiotic resistance problem requires outside the box thinking. Most novel solutions to the antibiotic crisis are not that novel at all: a modification of an existing antibiotic, adding another chemical to augment the activity of an existing antibiotic, or using other existing therapeutic approaches (such as bacteriophage therapy, vaccines, or probiotics).

Aga nanotech is a UK R&D company part owned by Gama Healthcare Ltd .Our mission is to research and develop truly novel ways of overcoming the crisis iof antibiotic resistance. The more antibiotics are used, the more resistance will develop – and we are running out of antibiotics that work…fast! Due to their mode of action (they attack multiple cellular targets), biocides are much less prone to the development of resistance. Historically, biocides have not been a feasible option for systemic therapy, but now, nanotechnology offers the potential to deliver a dose of targeted biocide directly to an infected site. AGA nanotech is researching the development and use of nanoplatforms to deliver highly oxidative biocides directly to infecting bacteria – without causing collateral damage to the patient. So far we have successfully incorporated ‘precursors’ for the active biocides, hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid, within nanoparticles. That means the biocides are preserved sothey really pack a punch when they get to the site of the infection, and it also reduces the chances of resistance developing.

Initial laboratory testing of this new approach to treating infections is highly promising (patents are pending). Now, we are seeking further investments to progress to the next phase of testing, which will include clinical trials.

Aga nanotech can see an exciting future in developing technology for treating infections in humans and animals; providing treatment options in place of antibiotics, and reducing further development of antibiotic resistance.