SAN-001

SAN-001 is a first-in-class small molecule antibiotic candidate being developed by Santero Therapeutics, a spin-off from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The compound targets the bacterial RelA/SpoT Homolog (RSH) enzyme, which is responsible for regulating the levels of alarmones (specifically (p)ppGpp). These alarmones are vital for the bacterial 'stringent response,' a survival mechanism that allows pathogens to adapt to stress and nutrient starvation during infection. By inhibiting the RSH enzyme and blocking the regulation of alarmone content, SAN-001 exerts a bactericidal effect against multidrug-resistant pathogens, including *Staphylococcus aureus*. This novel mechanism of action aims to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by targeting pathways essential for bacterial persistence and survival within the host.