Virstatin

Virstatin is a drug aimed at combating cholera. Rather than target the disease-causing bacterium (Vibrio cholerae) itself, the drug targets the genes involved in virulence. Virstatin prevents the bacteria from producing the toxin that causes diarrhea, as well as inhibits the bacterium from colonizing the intestine. The drug is unique as it does not target DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis. Due to this fact, the bacterium cannot mutate to avoid the drug's effects. The drug is specific to Vibrio cholerae. The drug's efficacy has been demonstrated in mice models. It has been shown to both prevent cholera when used prophylactically, as well as shorten the length of the disease once the organism is afflicted. By halting the uncontrolled spread of the disease, the body can more easily rid the bacterium.