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A new class of alternative antibiotics for dairy farms compatible with the One Health principles

A new class of alternative antibiotics for dairy farms compatible with the One Health principles

François Malouin University of Sherbrooke
  • Production

Targeted Research Priorities

Health and dairy cattle welfare
The goal of this research is to develop a new compound that can be used as an antibiotic in dairy cows to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Sustainable development
This project aims to develop an antibiotic that adheres to the “One Health” principles, an integrated and sustainable approach aimed at optimizing the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.


Project Summary

The objective of this project is to advance the technological maturity of previous research.

Mastitis is a common and costly infection in dairy cows, affecting both production and animal welfare. Current treatments rely on traditional antibiotics. Due to the development of multiple resistances in certain microorganisms responsible for these infections, there is an urgent need for more effective and safer solutions for animals. This project aims to develop new molecules suitable for intramammary administration and to meet Canada’s performance, stability, and safety requirements.

The team covers all stages: chemical synthesis, laboratory testing to assess antimicrobial activity and safety, and validation in animal models and cows. The work integrates organic chemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology to design stable, bioavailable formulations. Ultimately, this project could provide producers with reliable, innovative treatments to reduce economic losses and improve animal health while limiting the risks associated with traditional antibiotics.


Expected Results

  • New antibiotics effective against intramammary infections
  • Safe formulations suitable for veterinary use
  • Validation of efficacy in relevant biological models
  • Reduction in the empirical use of existing antibiotics through targeted solutions
  • Concrete progress toward the commercialization of innovative treatments

Main Achievements

  • Technological maturation resulting from several years of research and development
  • Drafting and filing of a patent
  • Planned scientific publications
  • “Pitch” presentations at entrepreneurial competitions (Createk by the Fondation J. A. Bombardier and Génies en affaires by Acfas)
  • Training of one microbiology intern and three doctoral students, two of whom went on to postdoctoral research