Possible MRSA cure undergoing trials

LONDON, May 18 (UPI) -- A drug compound undergoing human testing trials in England could lead to a preventive treatment for the bacterial threat MRSA, British researchers say.

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.