Core Insights - A new antibiotic, pre-penicillin C lactone, has been discovered during the production process of a commonly used antibiotic, penicillin A, which shows over 100 times higher antibacterial activity against various Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus [1][2] Group 1 - The research was conducted by Monash University in collaboration with the University of Warwick, highlighting the potential of intermediate compounds in antibiotic synthesis [1] - The discovery provides a new model for identifying and testing intermediates in the synthesis pathways of various natural compounds, which may lead to the development of new antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance [1]

Core Insights - A new antibiotic with strong efficacy against "superbugs" has been unexpectedly discovered during the production process of a commonly used antibiotic [1] - The antibiotic, named pre-penicillin C lactone, was found to have over 100 times the antibacterial activity against various Gram-positive bacteria compared to the original antibiotic, penicillin A [1] Group 1: Research Findings - Researchers from Monash University and the University of Warwick identified the antibiotic during the synthesis of penicillin A, which has been known for 50 years but had not been tested for the antibacterial activity of its intermediates [1] - The newly discovered pre-penicillin C lactone is effective against troublesome bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus [1] Group 2: Implications for Antibiotic Development - This discovery provides a new model for finding novel antibiotics by identifying and testing intermediates in the synthesis pathways of various natural compounds [1] - The research highlights the potential for discovering more effective antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance, a significant issue in modern medicine [1]

Group 1 - Company received approval from the National Medical Products Administration for the supplementary application of the drug "Kangti Zuoan Tablets" and the supplementary application for clinical trials of "MRX-5 Tablets" [1] - "Kangti Zuoan Tablets" is a new generation oxazolidinone antibiotic designed for treating complex skin and soft tissue infections, approved for marketing in China since June 2021 [1] - The approval allows Jiangsu Xuantai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to act as a contract manufacturer, utilizing raw materials from Chongqing Boten Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., enhancing the product supply chain and ensuring stable supply [1] Group 2 - "MRX-5 Tablets" is a novel benzothiazole antibiotic aimed at treating infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), with increasing incidence and prevalence of NTM diseases [1] - The drug shows good antibacterial activity against common NTM, with favorable safety and pharmacokinetic properties demonstrated in animal and human trials [1] - The company has completed Phase I clinical trials in Australia, achieving expected goals, and received orphan drug designation from the US FDA for "MRX-5" [1][2] - The approval of a new 200mg specification for clinical trials will facilitate further clinical research [2]

Financial Performance - The company reported a total other income of RMB 28.1 million for the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year decrease of 60.4% [1] - Research and development expenses amounted to RMB 117 million, down 7.3% year-on-year [1] - The net loss for the period was approximately RMB 149 million, a reduction of 47.5% compared to the previous year [1] - Loss attributable to shareholders was about RMB 148 million, reflecting a decrease of 47.22% year-on-year [1] - The reduction in losses was primarily due to a decrease in other losses related to fair value changes of equity investments by RMB 115.5 million, a decrease in impairment losses under expected credit loss model by RMB 33 million, and a reduction in operating expenses [1] Strategic Developments - The company achieved a significant milestone by granting an external license for soralimixin (BRII-693), a new antibiotic for treating severe MDR/XDR Gram-negative bacterial infections [2] - In July 2025, the company announced a collaboration with Health元 Group to grant rights for research, development, and commercialization of soralimixin (BRII-693) in the Greater China region [2] - This partnership allows the company to focus its internal resources on core HBV projects while advancing the regional development and commercialization of soralimixin (BRII-693) [2] - The collaboration is expected to accelerate access to urgently needed anti-infection treatments in Greater China, and clinical data generated during the development process may support further development of soralimixin (BRII-693) in other regions [2]

Group 1 - Recent studies reveal that archaea, a lesser-known branch of microorganisms, contain previously unknown antibacterial compounds that may provide insights for developing new antibiotics [1][2] - Archaea can survive in extreme environments such as hot springs and salt flats, and coexist with bacteria and unicellular eukaryotes, which may have led to the evolution of unique chemical defense mechanisms capable of killing pathogenic bacteria resistant to traditional antibiotics [1][2] - A research team from the University of Pennsylvania utilized an artificial intelligence algorithm to scan the proteomes of archaea, identifying over 12,600 candidate cryptic peptides, with 93% of 80 tested candidates showing antibacterial activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae [1][2] Group 2 - Another study from institutions like Imperial College London and the University of Oxford aimed to identify antibacterial compounds related to archaea, focusing on whether archaea possess enzymes (hydrolases) that degrade peptidoglycan to protect themselves from bacterial invasion [2] - Analysis of over 3,700 archaea revealed that 5% contain such hydrolases, which were shown in laboratory studies to destroy bacterial peptidoglycan and kill bacteria upon contact [2] - Both studies emphasize that while these discoveries are promising, the development of mature new drugs is still a long way off, but these microorganisms are seen as a potential "treasure trove" for finding new antibiotics [2]