2026-07-08 | TACTIC: A transfer learning framework to predict drug interactions in emerging pathogens.

Machine learning (ML) is necessary to efficiently identify potent drug combinations within a large candidate space to combat drug resistance. However, existing ML approaches cannot be applied to emerging and understudied pathogens with limited training data. Hence, we developed a computational framework (TACTIC [transfer-learning and cross-species training to infer combination therapies]) to train ML models on data from multiple model bacteria. TACTIC was built using 2,965 drug interactions from 12 bacterial strains and outperformed traditional ML models in predicting drug interaction outcomes for species with limited training data. Upon analyzing ∼600,000 predicted drug interactions across 18 pathogenic and commensal strains, we identified interactions that are selectively synergistic against Gram-negative and mycobacterial pathogens. We experimentally validated synergistic drug combinations containing clarithromycin, ampicillin, and mecillinam, against clinical strains of M. abscessus, an emerging drug-resistant pathogen. We also confirmed 11 synergistic combinations against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus strains that cause endophthalmitis.

Open article ↗

2026-06-30 | Comment on: Use of intracameral antibiotics prophylaxis in patients with posterior capsule rupture during cataract surgery: systemic review and meta-analysis.

A valuable meta-analysis was performed by the authors to investigate the prophylactic efficacy of several antibiotics to prevent postoperative endophthalmitis (PE) in case of a posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery. It is of interest that the authors found a superior effect of moxifloxacin in the reduction of the incidence of endophthalmitis in the event of a PCR. This in addition to the better safety profile could make a call for preference of this antibiotic for use as antibiotic intra-ocular prophylaxis during cataract surgery. The authors also argue that there are arguments to use intra-ocular antibiotic prophylaxis only in case of a PCR, which is in line with data we published on this subject.

Open article ↗

2026-06-27 | Dropless after cataract surgery (DACS): concepts, evidence and clinical potential.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, and is traditionally followed by a postoperative regimen of eyedrops to reduce the risk of infection and inflammation. However, variable adherence to treatment and the burden of administering drops pose significant challenges. "Dropless after cataract surgery" (DACS) has emerged as an approach where intraoperative delivery may eliminate the need for postoperative drops. DACS offers a simplified alternative to eyedrop therapy, with the potential to improve patient-related quality of life, lower healthcare costs, and promote sustainable practices by reducing medical waste. Multiple studies over the past few decades have demonstrated the effectiveness of intraoperative intracameral antibiotics alone in reducing endophthalmitis rates, thus eliminating the need for topical antibiotic drops. Sustained-release steroid formulations have demonstrated reliable control of postoperative inflammation, similar to those achieved with standard topical regimens, but their adoption remains limited. Realising the full benefits of DACS will require systemic barriers to be addressed, and dropless regimens should be considered within a holistic value-based healthcare approach. As the global burden of cataract surgery continues to grow, embracing dropless techniques may represent a forward-looking step in modernising postoperative management to optimise patient-centred care.

Open article ↗