Combating Antimicrobial Resistance - In Armor Project

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public health challenge (1–3) . As a reminder, it occurs when microorganisms evolve and become resistant to drugs following repeated exposure to antimicrobial agents. This resistance compromises the effectiveness of treatments, complicates infection management, and can result in severe, even fatal, diseases.

Beyond human health, AMR also impacts animal health and agriculture (1,4,5). Indeed, the use of antimicrobials in livestock farming promotes the emergence of resistant strains that may be transmitted through the food chain or contaminate soils and water resources via animal waste. In addition, a growing number of studies highlight a link between the excessive use of these antimicrobials and the increase in resistant infections (1,4). Its consequences extend to broader issues, particularly socio-economic development. 

According to the study “Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance”, approximately 1.9 million deaths attributable to AMR and 8.2 million deaths associated with AMR could occur worldwide by 2050 (3). 

Furthermore, the decline in the discovery of new antibiotics, combined with the reduced effectiveness of current antibiotics, is placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems. Antimicrobial resistance is not a future threat: it’s a current challenge that requires concrete solutions today.

It’s in this context that the European project IN-ARMOR, funded by HADEA, takes place. This project brings together a consortium of universities, research institutes, and industrial partners.

IN-ARMOR's main objective: 

The objective of IN-ARMOR is to develop an innovative approach capable of stimulating the human innate immune system. This would help reduce reliance on conventional antimicrobials by enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms (6).

The project combines several technological approaches, including computer-aided design, in silico methods, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Once the in vitro characterization of the compounds was finalized, their in vivo safety were evaluated. The project now enters the crucial phase of in vivo efficacy validation, which will allow it to meet the regulatory requirements applicable to investigational drugs.

Driven by a commitment to combat AMR, Vibiosphen participates in the IN-ARMOR project by contributing its microbiology expertise to preclinical in vivo studies.

Vibiosphen’s contribution:

To meet the requirements of this project, our R&D team has developed murine efficacy models that mimic systemic inflammation, as well as bacterial and fungal intestinal infections.

• Systemic inflammation: induced by intraperitoneal administration of Escherichia coli LPS in mice. Blood samples were collected to measure several inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ).

   

• Bacterial intestinal inflammation: targeted infection models were developed using Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Daily clinical monitoring is performed, followed by sampling to measure the bacterial load in key organs.

   

• Fungal intestinal inflammation: infection is induced by Candida albicans and Candida auris. Daily clinical monitoring is also implemented, followed by organ sampling and stool collection to quantify the fungal load.

Facing the major challenge of antimicrobial resistance, research must be collaborative. By joining the IN-ARMOR project, we demonstrate our commitment to combating AMR and are proud to contribute our expertise.

The fight against antimicrobial resistance takes place today, and together.

Bibliography: 

1.         Tang KWK, Millar BC, Moore JE. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Br J Biomed Sci. 28 juin 2023;80:11387. doi:10.3389/bjbs.2023.11387

2.         Bertagnolio S, Dobreva Z, Centner CM, Olaru ID, Donà D, Burzo S, et al. WHO global research priorities for antimicrobial resistance in human health. Lancet Microbe. 1 nov 2024;5(11):100902. doi:10.1016/S2666-5247(24)00134-4

3.         Naghavi M, Vollset SE, Ikuta KS, Swetschinski LR, Gray AP, Wool EE, et al. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. The Lancet. 28 sept 2024;404(10459):1199‑226. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01867-1 PubMed PMID: 39299261.

4.         Van Boeckel TP, Pires J, Silvester R, Zhao C, Song. Global trends in antimicrobial resistance in animals in low- and middle-income countries. Science. 20 sept 2019;365(6459):eaaw1944. doi:10.1126/science.aaw1944

5.         McKernan C, Benson T, Farrell S, Dean M. Antimicrobial use in agriculture: critical review of the factors influencing behaviour. JAC-Antimicrob Resist. 1 déc 2021;3(4):dlab178. doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlab178

6.         In Armor Project - In Armor Project [Internet]. [cité 6 mars 2026]. Available on: https://inarmor-project.eu/