Ciprofloxacin

Deep inside a Romanian ice cave, locked away in a 5,000-year-old layer of ice, scientists have uncovered a bacterium with a startling secret: it’s resistant to many modern antibiotics. Despite predating the antibiotic era, this cold-loving microbe carries more than 100 resistance-related genes and can survive drugs used today to treat serious infections like tuberculosis and UTIs.Bacteria are remarkably adaptable, thriving in some of the harshest places on Earth, from boiling hot springs to deep freezes far below zero. Ice caves are one such extreme habitat, home to diverse microorganisms that scientists are only beginning to understand. These frozen environments may contain vast stores of genetic material that have gone largely unexplored. In Romania, researchers recently examined a bacterial strain that had been trapped in a 5,000-year-old layer of ice inside an underground cave. By analyzing its antibiotic resistance profile, they discovered that this ancient microbe may help scientists better understand how antibiotic resistance develops and spreads naturally. The findings were published in Frontiers in Microbiology. "The Psychrobacter SC65A.3 bacterial strain isolated from Scarisoara Ice Cave, despite its ancient origin, shows resistance to multiple modern antibiotics and carries over 100 resistance-related genes," said author Dr. Cristina Purcarea, a senior scientist at the Institute of Biology Bucharest of the Romanian Academy. "But it can also inhibit the growth of several major antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' and showed important enzymatic activities with important biotechnological potential." How Ancient Microbes Resist Modern Drugs Psychrobacter SC65A.3 belongs to a group of cold-adapted bacteria known as Psychrobacter. While some members of this genus can cause infections in people or animals, they are also considered promising for biotechnology applications. Until now, however, little was known about how these bacteria respond to antibiotics. "Studying microbes such as Psychrobacter SC65A.3 retrieved from millennia-old cave ice deposits reveals how antibiotic resistance evolved naturally in the environment, long before modern antibiotics were ever used," Purcarea explained. To retrieve the organism, the team drilled a 25-meter ice core from a section of the cave called the Great Hall, capturing a frozen record spanning 13,000 years. To prevent contamination, ice samples were sealed in sterile bags and transported in frozen conditions back to the laboratory. There, scientists isolated bacterial strains and sequenced their genomes to identify genes responsible for surviving extreme cold, as well as genes linked to antimicrobial resistance and activity. The researchers then tested SC65A.3 against 28 antibiotics across 10 different classes. These drugs are commonly prescribed or reserved for serious bacterial infections. Some had already been associated with known resistance genes or mutations, allowing the team to compare predicted resistance mechanisms with actual laboratory results. "The 10 antibiotics we found resistance to are widely used in oral and injectable therapies used to treat a range of serious bacterial infections in clinical practice," Purcarea noted. Among them were rifampicin, vancomycin, and ciprofloxacin, medications used to treat conditions such as tuberculosis, colitis, and UTIs. SC65A.3 is the first Psychrobacter strain found to resist certain antibiotics, including trimethoprim, clindamycin, and metronidazole. These drugs are typically used to treat UTIs and infections affecting the lungs, skin, bloodstream, and reproductive system. The strain's resistance pro that bacteria adapted to cold environments could serve as reservoirs of resistance genes, which are segments of DNA that enable survival when exposed to antibiotics. Melting Ice and the Spread of Resistance Genes This discovery presents both potential risks and opportunities. "If melting ice releases these microbes, these genes could spread to modern bacteria, adding to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance," Purcarea said. "On the other hand, they produce unique enzymes and antimicrobial compounds that could inspire new antibiotics, industrial enzymes, and other biotechnological innovations." Genetic analysis of Psychrobacter SC65A.3 revealed nearly 600 genes with unknown functions, pointing to a largely untapped resource for uncovering new biological processes. The team also identified 11 genes that may have the ability to kill or inhibit bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. As antibiotic resistance continues to rise worldwide, insights from ancient microbes are becoming increasingly valuable. Studying genomes preserved in ice helps scientists trace how resistance emerged and spread long before modern medicine existed. "These ancient bacteria are essential for science and medicine," Purcarea concluded, "but careful handling and safety measures in the lab are essential to mitigate the risk of uncontrolled spread."

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NeuroSense Therapeutics Ltd. (NASDAQ: NRSN) ("NeuroSense"), a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on developing disease-modifying treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced the availability of additional long-term survival data from its previously completed PARADIGM Phase 2b clinical trial evaluating PrimeC in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The updated analysis, based on extended follow-up, demonstrates a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in overall survival for patients treated with PrimeC, compared to those initially assigned to placebo. According to Kaplan–Meier survival estimates, patients who received PrimeC continuously during both the double-blind and open-label phases achieved an estimated median survival of 36.3 months, compared to 21.4 months for patients initially assigned to placebo during the double-blind phase and crossing over to active treatment during the open label extension. This represents over 14-month improvement and approximately a 70% increase in median survival. The survival benefit was sustained over time, with consistent separation between treatment arms throughout the follow-up period. A log-rank test comparing survival curves demonstrated statistical significance (p = 0.0218). Further analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model showed that PrimeC treatment was associated with a 65% reduction in the risk of death compared to placebo (hazard ratio: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17–0.71; p = 0.0037), after adjusting for baseline risk factors. "The long-term survival data further validate the magnitude and durability of PrimeC's effect in ALS and reinforce its potential as a disease-modifying therapy," said Alon Ben-Noon, CEO of NeuroSense. "A 65% reduction in the risk of death and a statistically significant extension in median survival of over 14 months represent a clinically meaningful benefit of notable magnitude in ALS. We believe these findings substantially strengthen the clinical and regulatory foundation as we advance toward late-stage development." The PARADIGM Phase 2b trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PrimeC in 68 people living with ALS. Participants were administered PrimeC or placebo at a 2:1 ratio, respectively, for the six-month double-blind part. NeuroSense previously reported positive top-line results from the trial, including statistically significant slowing of disease progression and favorable safety and tolerability. The newly reported survival findings represent additional meaningful data generated from the same completed study, further enhancing the overall data package supporting PrimeC. NeuroSense continues to engage with regulatory authorities regarding the advancement of PrimeC into pivotal late-stage development and believes these findings add important long-term clinical context to previously reported efficacy results. About NeuroSense NeuroSense Therapeutics, Ltd. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing treatments for patients suffering from debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. NeuroSense believes that these diseases, which include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, among others, represent one of the most significant unmet medical needs of our time, with limited effective therapeutic options available for patients to date. Due to the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases and based on strong scientific research on a large panel of related biomarkers, NeuroSense's strategy is to develop combined therapies targeting multiple pathways associated with these diseases. For additional information, we invite you to visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube and X. Information that may be important to investors may be routinely posted on our website and these social media channels. About PrimeC PrimeC, NeuroSense's lead drug candidate, is a novel extended-release oral formulation composed of a unique fixed-dose combination of two FDA-approved drugs: ciprofloxacin and celecoxib. PrimeC is designed to synergistically target several key mechanisms of ALS and AD, that contribute to neuron degeneration, inflammation, iron accumulation and impaired ribonucleic acid ("RNA") regulation to potentially inhibit the progression of ALS and AD. About ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ("ALS") is an incurable neurodegenerative disease that causes complete paralysis and death within 2-5 years from diagnosis. Every year, more than 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS in the U.S. alone, with an annual disease burden of $1 billion. The number of people living with ALS is expected to grow by 24% by 2040 in the U.S. and EU. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "seek," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "aim," "should," "will" "would," or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on NeuroSense Therapeutics' current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict and include statements regarding the timing of regulatory filings, meetings and regulatory decisions. Further, certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding future development of PrimeC, are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. The future events and trends may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward looking statements. These risks include the uncertainty regarding outcomes and the timing of current and future clinical trials; the risk the PrimeC will not advance towards later-stage development, timing for reporting data, including from the study of PrimeC in Alzheimer's disease; that the study will not be successful; the ability of NeuroSense to remain listed on Nasdaq; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in NeuroSense's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). You should not rely on these statements as representing our views in the future. More information about the risks and uncertainties affecting NeuroSense is contained under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2025 and NeuroSense's subsequent filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and NeuroSense undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Logo: SOURCE NeuroSense 21% more press release views with Request a Demo