Pandemics threaten both human health and the global economy. Vaccines are an essential part of the fight against pandemics, but they are only available months after the outbreak. Broad-spectrum drugs, on the other hand, could limit the spread of a pathogen at an early stage and save many lives. While broad-spectrum drugs are available to treat bacterial infections, there are no comparable drugs for viruses. The "Vigilant" research network aims to close this dangerous gap. The network is coordinated by the German Primate Centre - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research and funded by the EU with around €7.5 million over four years.

V-161, a novel compound targeting the Na⁺-V-ATPase enzyme in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), significantly reduces bacterial growth and colonization. A recent study has demonstrated a promising approach for fighting antibiotic resistance by identifying a compound, V-161, that inhibits a sodium-pumping enzyme critical for VRE survival under alkaline conditions in the intestine while preserving beneficial bacteria. This breakthrough offers hope for treating hospital infections and tackling the global threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.