BREAKthrough is a European doctoral research network focused on addressing antimicrobial resistance, particularly the growing difficulty of treating infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria have an outer membrane that blocks many antibiotics from entering their cells, contributing to resistance and limiting treatment options. The consortium brings together microbiologists, pharmacologists, chemists, and other academic and industry experts in an international, multidisciplinary collaboration.

Through its research, BREAKthrough aims to develop compounds that inhibit protein machineries responsible for maintaining the bacterial outer membrane. By weakening this barrier and making it more permeable, the project seeks to help existing standard-of-care antibiotics reach their targets and kill Gram-negative bacteria. Its work centers on research and the development of potential approaches to support antibiotic treatment; the provided information does not describe products for sale or clinical services.

BREAKthrough also provides scientific, technical, business, and transferable-skills training for 11 doctoral candidates, preparing them for professional roles in drug development. The network is funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme.