New drug to kill MRSA 'superbug' on the anvil

London, May 19 : British scientists are testing a new drug that they claim would wipe out the most dangerous strains of superbug MRSA.

The team at Brighton-based Destiny Pharma is testing the drug that may protect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA).

The new drug is applied as a gel into patients' noses. It contains a compound with a codename XF-73.

The trials showed that the 'superbug' did not develop resistance to the compound despite being exposed to it 55 times.

Destiny Pharma revealed that XF-73 compound could destroy five most common strains of MRSA in tests.

Dr Bill Love, company's chief executive told the Independent that if the drug clears all the trials it would be a "completely fundamental breakthrough".

"The potential is really quite amazing," BBC quoted Love, as saying

However, Derek Butler, chairman of MRSA Action said that more tests are needed to prove drug efficiency.

"Bacteria have a habit of being able to get round any treatments we develop," he said

"I think more tests need to be done on it. We need to be careful in saying we have beaten the resistance problem," he added.

He further said that he was interested in "anything in the development of cures or treatment for MRSA" and was optimistic the research would prove beneficial.

Last September, Prime Minister Gordon Brown ordered all hospitals to deep clean, to tackle the spread of infections, such as MRSA.

ANI