Promising Two-Drug Therapy Enhances Healing of Chronic Wounds

Researchers from the University of Oregon have discovered a promising combination therapy using two drugs designed to significantly improve the treatment of stubborn chronic wounds, especially those infected by resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Published on September 29, 2025, in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, the study demonstrates that adding small doses of chlorate—a simple, non-toxic molecule—to standard antibiotics can make the bacteria up to 10,000 times more susceptible to treatment in laboratory settings. This synergy not only enhances bacterial eradication but also allows for lower doses of antibiotics, potentially reducing side effects and the duration of therapy.

Chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, pose a significant medical challenge due to delayed healing processes and the presence of resilient bacterial biofilms. These infections are exacerbated by low oxygen environments in tissue, which enable bacteria like P. aeruginosa to develop tolerance and resistance to antibiotics, prolonging infection and increasing risk of severe complications, including amputations.

The innovative approach leverages chlorate's ability to interfere with bacterial nitrate respiration in oxygen-poor environments, thereby suppressing the pathogen's survival mechanisms. When combined with conventional antibiotics such as ceftazidime, this strategy drastically improves bacterial killing efficiency, reducing necessary drug doses and potentially shortening treatment times.

Although still in experimental stages, these findings suggest a broader potential for combating antibiotic resistance across various infections. By understanding the underlying biological stresses imposed on bacteria by drug combinations, scientists can develop targeted therapies that overcome current limitations of antibiotic efficacy.

The research emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating existing antimicrobial agents and exploring how their combinations can exploit bacterial vulnerabilities, especially in microenvironments where bacteria evade typical treatments. If successfully translated into clinical practice, this could lead to more effective, less toxic treatments for chronic wounds and other resistant infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-drug-combination-chronic-wounds.html