Good Day BIO: The war on drug-resistant TB

Today, we look at the rise of deadly, drug-resistant TB—and how policy could help address it—plus, why biotech is an important part of the World Water Week conversation. (588 words, 2 minutes, 56 seconds)

Researchers gain ground in the war against drug-resistant TB

Researchers are using genetics to better understand antibacterial-resistant tuberculosis (TB), a deadly foe of humanity—but we need policy that supports R&D.

About the enemy: The number-two infectious killer in 2020 after COVID, TB infects 10 million people and kills 1.5 million worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization. TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacteria whose unique genetic coding makes it adept at mutating to foil antibiotics, research shows.

The latest intelligence: Scientists tested 10,228 samples of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with 13 different antibiotics and varying doses, according to a study published this month in PLoS Biology. They identified 20 genes associated with drug resistance and looked at which drugs and drug combinations work best.

Why it matters: Genomic researcher Zamin Iqbal, who led the study, says this genetic reconnaissance work could lead to development of “a customized cocktail of effective antibiotics,” for individual patients, according to NPR.

The real challenge: sharing the data with various TB clinics and helping them use it, NPR reports. WHO says more investment is needed to combat TB.

The route to victory: As we’ve reported, turning research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) into treatments requires a level of investment that’s currently not incentivized by the market. The PASTEUR Act, however, could facilitate antimicrobial development (and BIO supports it).

A call to arms: “There are only 64 new antibacterial drug programs in development worldwide,” due to “our flawed antimicrobial market,” said BIO President and CEO Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath. “Drug manufacturers need stronger financial incentives to build the drug pipeline of much-needed, life-saving measures.”

More Health Care News: 

Biopharma Dive: Ovid turns to gene therapy startup to restock drug pipeline
“Ovid Therapeutics has struck a deal with young biotechnology company Gensaic, hoping the startup’s method of delivering genetic medicines can yield new brain drugs.”

Too dry, too wet? Biotech can help restore water balance

Record heat and water shortages around the United States are being compounded by “1,000-year” rainfalls, which can do more damage when they hit drought-stricken areas, The Washington Post reports. But biotech can help return a natural balance to our water.

“Both drought and flooding are closely tied to human-driven warming,” says the Washington Post. “We are witnessing firsthand the effects of ordinary weather events—a product of chaotic randomness and natural variability—supercharged by climate change.”

Too dry, yet also too wet? Unprecedented heat is driving drought, hitting 49.18% of the lower 48 U.S. states as of Aug. 16 and causing what may be Europe’s worst drought in 500 years. Yet, we’ve seen five “1000-year” floods in five weeks, impacting Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Texas, and California.

It’s World Water Week,the annual event bringing together global stakeholders to seek solutions to water concerns—which should include biotech solutions.

These biotech solutions include gene editing, which can improve photosynthesis and increase crop yield, help cattle withstand heat, and produce drought-resistant wheat and rice.

Biotech can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions—the long-term solution to controlling climate change—such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which gets a boost in the Inflation Reduction Act.

It can also address another major threat to water: plastic—including developing plastic alternatives that don’t pollute the water, as a recent episode of the I am BIO Podcast explored. 

Read More: Biotech Solutions for Climate Report

President Biden’s Thursday: Speaking at a Democratic National Committee event and campaigning in Maryland, per The Washington Post. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is preparing for the fall booster campaign.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: There is one House hearing on “Effective Environmental Enforcement: Tools and Strategies to Protect Vulnerable Communities.” The Senate is in recess.