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Liverpool antibiotic research receives funding boost
SPR206 may be safer and just as effective as colistin.
Funding will support the development of SPR206

A grant of £250k has been awarded to the University of Liverpool to develop antibiotics for multi-drug resistant bacteria.

The money, awarded by biopharmaceutical company Spero Therapeutics, will be used by the University’s Centre for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics (CAP) for the development of SPR206.

Initial research suggests this new antibiotic may be safer and just as effective as colistin. In the NHS, colistin is only used as a last resort treatment of multi-drug resistant bacteria because it is highly toxic.

The research will be conducted by Dr Shampa Das and Professor William Hope.

Professor Hope said: “This funding will help support further work of the CAP, where the principal task is to identify regimens to take into first-in-patient clinical studies.”

The discovery of SPR206 and its development is being supported by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. 

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.