Sevelamer drug may reduce antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Penn State have found that a drug approved for treating chronic kidney disease may help reduce antibiotic resistance. The drug, sevelamer, is typically used to lower high phosphorus levels in patients undergoing dialysis. The study shows that sevelamer can bind to certain antibiotics in mice, stopping them from interacting with bacteria in the gut. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, with bacteria becoming more resistant as antibiotics are used. When antibiotics enter the gastrointestinal tract without treating an infection, they can contribute to resistance development. The researchers suggest that sevelamer could capture these off-target antibiotics, potentially preventing bacteria from evolving resistance. The team tested vancomycin and daptomycin, two common antibiotics, on mice that had been infected with a resistant strain of bacteria. They found that sevelamer effectively bound to these antibiotics, reducing their activity in the gut. This approach could preserve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics while combating resistance. Building on previous research, the study highlights the potential of using existing FDA-approved drugs to help manage antibiotic resistance. The researchers are planning to conduct clinical trials to see if sevelamer can achieve similar results in humans. The study has broad implications for medical practices, particularly in healthcare settings where antibiotic resistance is prevalent. The findings support the idea that using adjunct therapies could be a valuable strategy in managing antibiotic resistance.