malacidin B

Malacidin B is a macrocyclic lipopeptide antibiotic discovered in 2018 from soil bacteria using metagenomic screening techniques. It belongs to the malacidins, a novel class of calcium-dependent antibiotics with potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant pathogens[2][3][4][5][7]. Malacidin B acts by binding to Lipid II, an essential precursor in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, in a calcium-dependent manner. This disrupts cell wall synthesis and leads to bacterial death[5][7]. Unlike some other lipopeptide antibiotics (e.g., daptomycin), malacidins retain their antibacterial activity even in the presence of pulmonary surfactants[5]. As of now, Malacidin B is not approved for clinical use and remains under investigation as a potential new antibiotic agent.

Other names

malacidin B