Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative Review

Antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, saving countless lives since their discovery in the early 20th century. However, the origin of antibiotics is now overshadowed by the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance. This global crisis stems from the relentless adaptability of microorganisms, driven...

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Main Authors: Ghazala Muteeb, Md Tabish Rehman, Moayad Shahwan, Mohammad Aatif
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-11-01
Series:Pharmaceuticals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/11/1615
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author Ghazala Muteeb
Md Tabish Rehman
Moayad Shahwan
Mohammad Aatif
author_facet Ghazala Muteeb
Md Tabish Rehman
Moayad Shahwan
Mohammad Aatif
author_sort Ghazala Muteeb
collection DOAJ
description Antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, saving countless lives since their discovery in the early 20th century. However, the origin of antibiotics is now overshadowed by the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance. This global crisis stems from the relentless adaptability of microorganisms, driven by misuse and overuse of antibiotics. This article explores the origin of antibiotics and the subsequent emergence of antibiotic resistance. It delves into the mechanisms employed by bacteria to develop resistance, highlighting the dire consequences of drug resistance, including compromised patient care, increased mortality rates, and escalating healthcare costs. The article elucidates the latest strategies against drug-resistant microorganisms, encompassing innovative approaches such as phage therapy, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and the exploration of natural compounds. Moreover, it examines the profound impact of antibiotic resistance on drug development, rendering the pursuit of new antibiotics economically challenging. The limitations and challenges in developing novel antibiotics are discussed, along with hurdles in the regulatory process that hinder progress in this critical field. Proposals for modifying the regulatory process to facilitate antibiotic development are presented. The withdrawal of major pharmaceutical firms from antibiotic research is examined, along with potential strategies to re-engage their interest. The article also outlines initiatives to overcome economic challenges and incentivize antibiotic development, emphasizing international collaborations and partnerships. Finally, the article sheds light on government-led initiatives against antibiotic resistance, with a specific focus on the Middle East. It discusses the proactive measures taken by governments in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to combat this global threat. In the face of antibiotic resistance, a multifaceted approach is imperative. This article provides valuable insights into the complex landscape of antibiotic development, regulatory challenges, and collaborative efforts required to ensure a future where antibiotics remain effective tools in safeguarding public health.
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spelling doaj.art-f5ee3ec29dea4fdca1986c6d77ce99c52023-11-24T15:00:34ZengMDPI AGPharmaceuticals1424-82472023-11-011611161510.3390/ph16111615Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative ReviewGhazala Muteeb0Md Tabish Rehman1Moayad Shahwan2Mohammad Aatif3Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi ArabiaDepartment of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11437, Saudi ArabiaCenter for Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi ArabiaAntibiotics have revolutionized medicine, saving countless lives since their discovery in the early 20th century. However, the origin of antibiotics is now overshadowed by the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance. This global crisis stems from the relentless adaptability of microorganisms, driven by misuse and overuse of antibiotics. This article explores the origin of antibiotics and the subsequent emergence of antibiotic resistance. It delves into the mechanisms employed by bacteria to develop resistance, highlighting the dire consequences of drug resistance, including compromised patient care, increased mortality rates, and escalating healthcare costs. The article elucidates the latest strategies against drug-resistant microorganisms, encompassing innovative approaches such as phage therapy, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and the exploration of natural compounds. Moreover, it examines the profound impact of antibiotic resistance on drug development, rendering the pursuit of new antibiotics economically challenging. The limitations and challenges in developing novel antibiotics are discussed, along with hurdles in the regulatory process that hinder progress in this critical field. Proposals for modifying the regulatory process to facilitate antibiotic development are presented. The withdrawal of major pharmaceutical firms from antibiotic research is examined, along with potential strategies to re-engage their interest. The article also outlines initiatives to overcome economic challenges and incentivize antibiotic development, emphasizing international collaborations and partnerships. Finally, the article sheds light on government-led initiatives against antibiotic resistance, with a specific focus on the Middle East. It discusses the proactive measures taken by governments in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to combat this global threat. In the face of antibiotic resistance, a multifaceted approach is imperative. This article provides valuable insights into the complex landscape of antibiotic development, regulatory challenges, and collaborative efforts required to ensure a future where antibiotics remain effective tools in safeguarding public health.https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/11/1615antibiotic resistancedrug designingbacterial mutationbacterial evolutionhorizontal gene transferpublic and agricultural health
spellingShingle Ghazala Muteeb
Md Tabish Rehman
Moayad Shahwan
Mohammad Aatif
Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative Review
Pharmaceuticals
antibiotic resistance
drug designing
bacterial mutation
bacterial evolution
horizontal gene transfer
public and agricultural health
title Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative Review
title_full Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative Review
title_fullStr Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative Review
title_full_unstemmed Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative Review
title_short Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative Review
title_sort origin of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance and their impacts on drug development a narrative review
topic antibiotic resistance
drug designing
bacterial mutation
bacterial evolution
horizontal gene transfer
public and agricultural health
url https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/16/11/1615
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AT mdtabishrehman originofantibioticsandantibioticresistanceandtheirimpactsondrugdevelopmentanarrativereview
AT moayadshahwan originofantibioticsandantibioticresistanceandtheirimpactsondrugdevelopmentanarrativereview
AT mohammadaatif originofantibioticsandantibioticresistanceandtheirimpactsondrugdevelopmentanarrativereview