As we navigate the complexities of modern medicine, a quiet threat remains: multi-drug resistant gonorrhea (MDRSG, commonly referred to as Super Gonorrhea), a rapidly spreading, deadly, and highly resistant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

This formidable strain of gonorrhea is rapidly becoming a public health emergency, alarming health experts worldwide with its rising prevalence.1 With MDRSG defeating traditional antibiotics, it’s more important than ever to understand the science behind this infection, who it affects, and the urgent need for innovative treatments that can overcome antimicrobial resistance (AMR) turn the tide.

Super gonorrhea is a prime example of how bacteria can outsmart our best defenses. In a world where antibiotics have been our strongest ally for decades, the emergence of drug-resistant strains is a sobering reminder that bacteria are not only surviving, they are evolving. MDRSG has developed resistance mechanisms that render our go-to antibiotics ineffective against this once-manageable infection.2 This includes natural resistance to trimethoprim (TMP), a bacterial dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, due to the reduced affinity of the enzyme for the drug.2 With existing antibiotics proving ineffective and the rise of ceftriaxone-resistant strains threatening the last line of defense, Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been designated as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization.3 It’s a game of survival of the fittest, but sadly, the fittest are often the nastiest bugs that take advantage of our reliance on antibiotics.

The demographics most affected by super gonorrhea paint a stark picture. Young adults, particularly those in urban environments, are at the greatest risk, often due to factors like multiple sexual partners and inconsistent use of protection.4 Communities with limited access to healthcare are also hit hard, as they may lack the resources for timely diagnosis and treatment.5 This means that the very groups who need our attention the most are often the ones left vulnerable to this evolving threat.

So, what’s the solution? At TAXIS, we are diving headfirst into the science of combating antimicrobial AMR. We believe that innovation is key to overcoming super gonorrhea. Our team is dedicated to developing innovative therapies that can effectively target resistant strains. By harnessing leading-edge research and the latest technological advancements, we aim to create solutions that not only fight super gonorrhea but also illuminate the path for future treatments.

One exciting avenue we’re pursuing involves exploring novel compounds and drug combinations that can outsmart the defenses of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. TAXIS’ investigational dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors (DHFRIs) represent a promising new class of drugs that can address multi-drug-resistant gonorrhea infections.

These investigational DHFRIs may offer advantages including high selectivity for bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (baDHFR), which reduces the risk of toxicity from off-target effects, as well as narrow-spectrum antibacterial activity that minimizes the impact on the microbiome. They also have been shown to provide excellent oral bioavailability, offering a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to the current standard treatment of injectable ceftriaxone.

In addition, TAXIS’ investigational DHFRIs have demonstrated strong efficacy in animal studies against drug-resistant strains at nanomolar concentrations, and importantly, there is no pre-existing resistance. These inhibitors have shown complete eradication of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in a mouse model of vaginal tract infection following oral administration.

As we work to combat this serious public health challenge, it’s crucial to foster conversations about prevention and education. Awareness is our first line of defense. By empowering individuals with knowledge about safe practices, testing, and treatment options, we can help curb the spread of infections before they escalate.

Our journey at TAXIS is fueled by a passion for innovative solutions and a commitment to public health. Join us as we work tirelessly to change the narrative surrounding AMR, turning potential defeat into a victory for modern medicine. Let’s not just keep pace with evolving bacteria – let’s outsmart them for good.

References:

  1. World Health Organization, Multi-drug resistant gonorrhea, July, 2024. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/multi-drug-resistant-gonorrhoea.
  2. National Library of Medicine, Antibiotic Resistance, July 2023. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513277/.
  3. World Health Organization, WHO bacterial priority pathogens list, Bacterial pathogens of public health importance to guide research, development and strategies to prevent and control antimicrobial resistance, May 2024. who.int/publications/i/item/9789240093461.
  4. National Library of Medicine, Neighborhood Environment, Sexual Risk Behaviors and Acquisition of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Adolescents Diagnosed with Psychological Disorders, May 2018, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4435742/.
  5.  Rural Health Information Hub, Healthcare Access in Rural Communities, April 2025 ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/healthcare-access.