title: Discovery of novel antibacterials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Antibiotics have existed in the environment for millennia, but it has only been in the past 80 years that humans have used them systematically to treat infections. This battle between humans and bacteria has led to an alarming increase in resistance to all clinically useful antibacterial agents. Thus, there is an imperative need for new agents to combat these resistant strains of bacteria.
  
  
  METHODS
  The topics covered include natural product screening, identification and validation of new antibacterial targets and approaches for the discovery and optimization of antibacterial compounds. Last, an assessment of the major challenges facing antibacterial discovery is presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The current strategies and methodologies for discovering and designing new antibacterial agents are evaluated as to their potential for generating the next round of therapeutics. Each topic is presented in a general, basic manner and will hopefully be a useful resource for students and newcomers to the field.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New antibacterial agents are desperately needed to fight the increasing number of antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria. New methodologies as well as traditional approaches should both be used for discovering antibiotics to meet this serious medical need.
authors: Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
authors: J Richard
authors: JR
authors: Miller
authors: Grover L
authors: GL
authors: Waldrop