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Integrating traditional wisdom and innovative technologies
Harnessing the power of nature for holistic curing and healing
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About Us
Antenovus is a biotechnology startup company dedicated to providing natural, sustainable, and non-antibiotic solutions for combating microbial infections and related diseases. With innovative university-derived technologies, an internationally acclaimed scientific advisory team, and a board of accomplished directors from diverse backgrounds, Antenovus is fully-equipped to realize its vision of integrating traditional wisdom and innovative technologies to harness the power of nature for ameliorating the livelihood of mankind.
Antenovus values both the knowledge passed down for centuries and state-of-the-art technologies. We firmly believe that the solutions to the numerous biomedical conundrums nowadays have, in fact, always been preserved somewhere in Nature, and that the key to unlock the treasure chests is right in our hands: modern science and technology. Therefore, supported by the most advanced science and technologies available, Antenovus now delves into Traditional Chinese medicine and other natural sources, which may point us to revolutionary approaches to understanding and treating diseases.
We envision a world where diseases will no longer rip lives apart;
a world where everyone can enjoy all the benefits Nature has to offer;
a world where we will truly live in harmony with all creation.
A world called
FUTURE
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Vision
Shortly after the discovery of the first antibiotic, penicillin, antibiotic-resistance in bacteria already became—and still is—a widely discussed topic in microbiology and medicine. The continuous abuse of antibiotics has provided a comfortable cradle for "superbugs," bacteria which have evolved to become resistant to many antibiotics. Furthermore, antibiotics kill many beneficial bacteria in our body indiscriminately, and the damage done to our health is substantial, and even irreversible. In light of the increasingly limited effectiveness of antibiotics and the heavy burden on healthcare system in tackling infection-related diseases, there is an imminent need for non-antibiotic alternatives.
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Staphylococcus Aureus
Our first project is to identify natural compounds which can potentially replace antibiotics in combating infectious and, especially, drug-resistant, bacteria. Instead of killing the bacteria, the compounds we are investigating suppress the bacteria's “virulence” so that they do not impose any harm to us even though they are still living. Since these compounds exhibit antivirulent properties, they are also referred to as "antivirulence agents." Eliminating pathogens' virulence is a key step in preventing inflammation, which is not only crucial in wound treatments but also in lowering the risks of diseases caused by chronic inflammation. More and more studies are even depicting a close linkage between low-grade inflammation of skin and Alzheimer’s, heart diseases and diabetes. Since our skin and overall health become gradually vulnerable to pathogens when we naturally age, protecting ourselves from bacterial toxins and virulence factors is no longer merely a matter for doctors and patients, but literally every single one of us. The natural compounds we are working on will thus offer us powerful protection against bacterial toxins by effectively disabling the "hostility" of bacteria without inducing any form of resistance.
Virulence
A pathogen's or microorganism's ability to cause damage to a host;
in other words,
hostility.
More commonly called "S. aureus" or "Staph aureus," a pathogenic bacteria accounting for various kinds of infections, ranging from skin to bone infections. While it is estimated that about one-third of the population are healthy carriers of S. aureus, a considerable
percentage of the rest suffer from diseases associated with this bacteria, including general wound infections and eczema. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of the bacteria resistant to most antibiotics we use nowadays. While MRSA can similarly cause diseases by normal S. aureus, it is also one of the leading causes of severe and even fatal infections in healthcare settings. Thus, non-antibiotic prevention and treatment of S. aureus infections is a critically pressing biomedical issue in our times.
Recently, we have successfully identified potential candidates, a unique blend of phytocompounds, against the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus. Based on a scrupulously selected array of engineered strains of S. aureus, we were able to monitor the expression of all major virulence and toxin genes simultaneously and in real time. Our experimental results also demonstrated that very low amounts of the natural compounds significantly inhibited the virulence of S. aureus.
Staphylococcus Aureus
More commonly called "S. aureus" or "Staph aureus," a pathogenic bacteria accounting for various kinds of infections, ranging from skin to bone infections. S. aureus can be found living transiently in the body of the majority of the world's population (70-90%), while one-third of the population are
persistent carriers of the bacteria. That means most of us are constantly exposed to the danger of S. aureus toxins and virulence factors, and are susceptible to skin inflammation and associated diseases, including general wound infections and eczema. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a strain of the bacteria resistant to most antibiotics we use nowadays. It is also one of the leading causes of severe and even fatal infections in healthcare settings. Thus, non-antibiotic prevention and treatment of S. aureus infections is a critically pressing biomedical issue in our times.
Fig. 1: Illustration of various inflammatory responses caused by S. aureus toxins in the skin, which result in inflammation, irritation and itch
(Chung et al. Pathogens. 2022)
PHYTO-
Related to or derived from plants.
At the current stage, our automated high-throughput screening system already allows us to provide rapid, sensitive detection service on the presence and abundance of virulence-promoting agents (VPAs) in product samples, and certify “VPA-free” products for clients.
We also see a promising future of S. aureus virulence-suppressing agents (VSAs) in the following applications:
- Treating eczema, diabetes-related ulcers, and various types of wounds
ECZEMA
ATOPIC
DERMATITIS
An incurable disease most prevalent among children and adolescents characterized by constant dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin. S. aureus has been reported to play a crucial role in aggravating the conditions as the bacteria produce toxins which cause inflammation across the skin. Eczema is also a risk factor for skin cancer as a result of chronic inflammation.
- Formulating S. aureus-neutralizing skincare products specifically for people with vulnerable skin, as well as for usual skincare routine by general consumers
- Preventing food poisoning caused by heat-resistant toxins produced by S. aureus
It's just the beginning
Our vision goes beyond just tackling S. aureus and other bacteria. We are determined to discover more natural compounds that can help us combat a whole range of pathogenic microbes and diseases. With each new breakthrough, we move closer to a future where millions and billions of lives will be restored. This is not just a pipe dream, but a real possibility that we can make a reality. By investing in our research and working together, we can usher in a new era of healthcare that is not only effective but also sustainable.
So let us keep our eyes fixed on the horizon, with hope and determination in our hearts, as we strive to make a better world for everyone.
Ahead of our journey, awaits a splendid world
full of immense opportunities
Our Team
Antenovus is led by a strong and experienced management team of accomplished individuals from diverse backgrounds, and supported by an advisory team comprising internationally-acclaimed experts
