Destiny Pharma researchers said trials are being conducted in the British county of Sussex, The Independent said Sunday.

The drug being investigated is an XF-73 "bacteriocidal" compound which is carried in a gel form that can be spread on the nostrils. Researchers said initial tests indicated the drug destroys MRSA after repeated treatments.

The treatment could save 1,600 lives a year if it proves to be effective, the newspaper said.

Scientists said if the human trials go as planned a final version of the gel could be ready for distribution with three years.