Breast milk protein could be used in fight against antibiotic resistance

National Physical Laboratory and UCL study reveals that lactoferrin kills bacteria, fungi and viruses

An antibiotic developed from human breast milk could combat certain drug-resistant bacteria, British scientists have found.

Tackling antibiotic-resistant bacteria, known as superbugs, is a priority for the government. A panel set up by David Cameron forecast that they would cost 10 million lives and 700bn a year worldwide by 2050 if the problem went unchecked.