Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognised as one of the greatest global health threats of our time, responsible for nearly 2 million deaths each year and creating severe economic and healthcare challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A major driver of this crisis are the ESKAPE pathogens, a group of highly aggressive, drug-resistant organisms that are the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. Novel therapies are urgently needed to combat this growing threat.
In response, the University of Cape Town’s Holistic Drug Discovery and Development (H3D) Centre established an independent AMR biology platform in 2021. This platform focuses on phenotypic screening of new chemical matter against the ESKAPE pathogens as well as the investigation of mechanisms of action for novel hit compounds. H3D also maintains a collection of clinically isolated ESKAPE strains with diverse resistance profiles, representative of the African population. These strains are available for single-point and dose-response screening assays, generating data that informs drug discovery projects on the specificity and selectivity of potential new antibiotics.
Building on this foundation, LifeArc, a UK-based self-funded medical research organisation, has committed £5 million to co-establish the Centre for Translational AMR Research (CTAR) at H3D. This strategic partnership will accelerate the discovery of new antibiotics targeting multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, which has been identified by both the WHO and CDC as a critical priority pathogen.
Together, LifeArc and H3D bring complementary expertise to the global AMR challenge. LifeArc has over 25 years of experience translating cutting-edge science into medical breakthroughs in areas of high unmet need, including rare diseases and drug-resistant infections. Their track record includes five licensed medicines, including treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Through the CTAR partnership, both organisations aim to accelerate antibiotic drug discovery, enhance African research capacity, and contribute to sustainable global health solutions.
For more information on our available AMR Biology assays please see here (link to AMR services)
