Southern Research Focuses on the Battle against Antimicrobial Resistance

The extent of antimicrobial resistance in the U.S. is still unknown, partially due to a lack of surveillance efforts on a national basis. However, we do know that resistance is on the rise. Bacterial infections that were once treatable are now becoming increasingly difficult to control. Many of the drug-resistant bacteria thought to be restricted primarily to health care settings have now spread into our communities. Many of these community-acquired (CA) strains, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA 300 and USA 400, are demonstrating unique virulence traits and resistance profiles.

In an effort to control the continuing rise in antimicrobial resistance, many companies are focusing on the development of new therapeutics. In support of these efforts, Southern Research offers comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing capabilities using antimicrobial-resistant pathogens from an extensive in-house repository. The repository is composed of nosocomial- and community-acquired gram-negative and gram-positive clinical isolates, including CA-MRSA USA 300 and 400. Studies are designed according to a team-based approach that includes dedicated staff members from microbiology, veterinary medicine, toxicology, drug formulations and pathology. In addition, synergy or combination studies are being developed using a number of currently available antibiotics.

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Southern Research Announces Aerosol Inhalation Program

The fate and consequence of inhaled particulate matter has always been of importance to the research community. With an increased risk of bioterrorism in the world today, national and international governments and the private sector worldwide have placed on emphasis bioaerosol countermeasures including antibiotics and vaccines. Most of the biothreat organisms of interest require diligent and careful work at Biosafety Level-3. Additionally, there has been an increased interest in the delivery of therapeutic compounds by the inhalation route to combat and prevent disease and sickness. Depositing a compound directly into the lung bypasses systemic delivery, thus preserving molecular integrity and increasing bioavailability.

In response, Southern Research offers new aerosol inhalation capabilities to assist the client in the development of their products. At Biosafety Levels 2 and 3, we are licensed and approved to deliver Select Agents, Risk Group 3 Agents, and other pathogenic organisms by the aerosol inhalation route. The aerosol inhalation program offers extensive in vitro aerosol characterization and multiple species in vivo capabilities. Dedicated staff members from bioaerosol science, microbiology, veterinary medicine, toxicology, bioanalytical science, and pathology provide a team-based approach to study development.

Learn more about our aerosol inhalation capabilities.

Southern Research Expands Service to European Market

Southern Research and Absorption Systems have expanded their joint marketing agreement to allow Absorption Systems to provide marketing and sales representation in Europe for Southern Research's contract research services.

Last year, Absorption Systems and Southern Research announced the signing of an agreement to collaborate in marketing contract research services in the areas of toxicology and bioanalytical services to biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients in the U.S.

The new European sales representation is an expansion of Southern Research's U.S.-based geographic sales force which was established last year. For more information, visit our website or contact Chuck Fogelgren, Director of Business Management at Fogelgren@SouthernResearch.org.