Harnessing the Power of Mānuka Honey to Fight Superbugs

Antibiotics have saved millions of lives—but what happens when they stop working?

Around the world, doctors are seeing more infections that no longer respond to the medicines we rely on. This growing problem is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the World Health Organization ranks it as one of the top 10 global public health threats. By 2050, drug-resistant infections could cause up to 10 million deaths every year if new solutions aren’t found.

Now, a collaboration between New Zealand and the United Kingdom is offering new hope—by turning to nature.

There are simple things people can do to help prevent the rise in AMR and preserve antibiotic efficacy, including practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, to prevent infections in the first place. Additionally, they should only take prescribed antimicrobials, when necessary, complete the entire course of any prescribed antibiotics, never share or take leftover medications, and ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations.

Dr. Jonathan Cox
Associate Professor of Microbiology, Aston University, UK

A Major Milestone for Mānuka Honey Science

Comvita New Zealand Limited has reached a significant milestone in its three-year research partnership with Aston University in the UK, focused on harnessing the unique antimicrobial power of Mānuka honey.

The team has now filed a new patent for a breakthrough Mānuka honey formulation that is even more effective at fighting bacteria than Mānuka honey on its own. Early laboratory results are extremely promising, showing the formulation is effective against many highly drug-resistant bacteria—including MRSA, one of the most dangerous “superbugs” found in hospitals worldwide.

This exciting announcement comes during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, underscoring both the urgency of the problem and the importance of global collaboration to solve it.

A Milestone for Natural Health Innovation

Dr Jackie Evans, Chief Science Officer at Comvita, described the patent as a major milestone in the company’s mission to advance the science of Mānuka honey and unlock its full potential in supporting global health.

She noted that the collaboration reflected the best of science and nature working together and served as a model for how industry and academia can collaborate across borders to solve complex challenges. As antimicrobial resistance continued to rise globally, the need for safe, natural, and effective alternatives remained greater than ever.

Why Antimicrobial Resistance Matters

Antimicrobial resistance happens when bacteria evolve and learn how to survive medicines designed to kill them. This makes common infections harder—and sometimes impossible—to treat.

In New Zealand, the issue hits especially close to home. Māori and Pacific peoples are more likely to be hospitalised with infectious illnesses, which increases their risk of exposure to antibiotic-resistant infections. That makes innovation in this space not just a global priority, but a national one too.

Science and Nature, Working Together

Researchers at Aston University have been studying how Mānuka honey works against bacteria, both on its own and when combined with existing antibiotics.

Associate Professor Dr Jonathan Cox from Aston University explains that some antibiotic-resistant infections are incredibly difficult to treat, and new options are urgently needed. Their research shows Mānuka honey has remarkable potential—not just as a traditional remedy, but as part of modern medical treatments designed to tackle AMR.

Filing the patent is a crucial step toward turning laboratory discoveries into real-world solutions that could one day help patients around the globe.

A Model NZ–UK Partnership

For Comvita, this patent represents years of dedication to advancing the science behind Mānuka honey.

Dr Jackie Evans, Comvita’s Chief Science Officer, describes the breakthrough as a powerful example of Science and Nature working together. As antimicrobial resistance continues to rise, the need for safe, effective, and natural alternatives has never been greater.

By partnering with leading researchers and investing in rigorous science, Comvita aims to unlock Mānuka honey’s full potential—while staying true to its New Zealand roots.

Looking Ahead

While more research is needed before new treatments become widely available, this milestone offers real optimism. It shows that solutions to some of the world’s biggest health challenges may come from combining ancient natural resources with cutting-edge science.

From the forests of Aotearoa New Zealand to laboratories in the UK, Mānuka honey is proving that nature still has powerful answers—when we take the time to listen.

Comvita is committed to driving research to both prove the benefits of Mānuka honey and help find new ways Mānuka honey improve the health of people.