Abstract: This invention relates to compositions including antibacterial compounds. The invention also relates to the use of the compositions in methods of treating bacterial infections. In one aspect the present invention also provides a method of increasing the susceptibility of bacteria to the anti-bacterial activity of a compound, the method comprising contacting the bacteria with a star shaped peptide polymer of the invention, thereby increasing the susceptibility of the bacteria to the anti-bacterial activity of the compound. Preferably, the method further includes the step of contacting the bacteria with the compound for which the bacteria have increased susceptibility to. The invention is further relates to the combination of a star shaped peptide polymer and an anti-bacterial compound that restore the sensitivity of antibiotic resistant bacteria to antibiotics that are otherwise ineffective when administered alone.

Abstract: This invention relates to antibacterial compounds and compositions thereof. The invention also relates to the use of the compounds and compositions in methods of treating bacterial infections, particularly those bacterial infections including bacteria that exhibit antibiotic resistance. More specifically, the present invention provides a star shaped peptide polymer comprising a multifunctional core with a plurality of terminal arms extending therefrom, wherein the terminal arms are statistical or random peptide copolymers of at least a cationic amino acid residue and a hydrophobic amino acid residue.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions including antibacterial compounds. The invention also relates to the use of the compositions in methods of treating bacterial infections. In one aspect the present invention also provides a method of increasing the susceptibility of bacteria to the anti-bacterial activity of a compound, the method comprising contacting the bacteria with a star shaped peptide polymer of the invention, thereby increasing the susceptibility of the bacteria to the anti-bacterial activity of the compound. Preferably, the method further includes the step of contacting the bacteria with the compound for which the bacteria have increased susceptibility to. The invention is further relates to the combination of a star shaped peptide polymer and an anti-bacterial compound that restore the sensitivity of antibiotic resistant bacteria to antibiotics that are otherwise ineffective when administered alone.