Compound 3b: Drug Candidate to Restore Antibiotic Power

In August 2025, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee announced the development of a novel drug candidate, Compound 3b, that could restore the effectiveness of the critical antibiotic Meropenem against Klebsiella pneumoniae—one of the world’s most dangerous multidrug-resistant superbugs.

Key Points

Breakthrough Molecule: Compound 3b works in combination with Meropenem to neutralise bacterial resistance mechanisms.
Target Pathogen: Effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae, a top-priority pathogen identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its resistance to multiple drugs.
Mode of Action: Prevents bacteria from using enzymes to destroy antibiotics, thereby restoring the antibiotic’s potency.
Preclinical Success: Demonstrated high specificity, safety for human cells, and strong infection-reducing effects in lung tests on animal models.
Global Health Impact: By revitalising existing antibiotics, the compound addresses the urgent challenge of bacterial evolution outpacing new drug development, making life-saving medical procedures safer.