A new peptide alternative to antibiotics shows promise in combating antimicrobial resistance by destroying protective bacterial biofilms. The treatment could address a crisis causing 1.27 million annual deaths worldwide.

D-GK17 peptide reduced biofilm mass by 72% in lab tests

Unlike antibiotics, peptides attack bacterial membranes directly, leaving no survivors to develop resistance

Human trials could begin within 3 years

Biofilm-related infections account for 80% of chronic hospital-acquired cases

700,000 people currently die annually from drug-resistant infections—more than the population of Washington, D.C.

First Peptide Treatment Targets Deadly Biofilms in Antibiotic-Resistant Infections