Anti-superbug weapon developed from wallaby milk

An antimicrobial compound produced in wallaby milk could be a new weapon in the continuing battle against antibiotic-resistant superbugs, say researchers conducting pre-clinical trials.

This is one of a number of compounds recently found in marsupials, such as koalas, that have exciting medical applications. Young wallabies don't develop an immune system until 100 days after birth, yet they typically manage to avoid infection. This compound is part of the reason why, say Australian scientists.

The compound, employs a unique mechanism to rapidly kill bacteria. And it may work against some of the most dangerous multidrug-resistant pathogens – such as vancomycin-resistant Enteroroccus, which poses a particular threat to patients with compromised immune systems and Pseudomonas.