Malacidin A, along with DB14052, is a member of a class of chemicals made by bacteria found in soil that can kill Gram-positive bacteria . Malacidins are 10-member macrocycle lipopeptides... Malacidins are 10-member macrocycle lipopeptides discovered via gene sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Malacidin A appears to bind Lipid II via a calcium dependent mechanism despite the absence of the typical Asp-X-Asp-Gly motif associate with calcium binding. The structure of Malacidin A includes a 3-hydroxy-aspartate residue while the "X" variable spacer residue is absent. It is unknown how these unique structural features may impact the drug's mechanism of action. The binding of Malacidin A to Lipid II prevents the incorporation of the subunit into the cell wall, disrupting synthesis and likely resulting in death of the bacterial cell. Malacidin A does not appear to form pores nor does it seem to integrate into the cell wall. While this mechanism is similar to that of DB00512, Malacidin A retains its activity against DB00512-resistant pathogens. Unlike other antibiotic agents, Malacidin A also retains its activity in the presence of pulmonary surfactants.
- Primary indication
- Malacidin A is being investigated for its antibiotic action and has potential for use as an antibacterial agent in the future.Curator reviewed
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which companies are running trials of Malacidin A, in which indications and phases, and which of those programs are still active?
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