Platensimycin is a novel, broad spectrum, Gram-positive antibiotic produced by strains of Streptomyces platensis. Its discovery was heralded by high profile publication and commentary in the scientific and lay press. Platensimycin was discovered by a target-based, whole-cell screening strategy using an antisense differential sensitivity assay, based on the inhibition of fatty acid synthesis. Platensimycin inhibits bacterial growth by selectively inhibiting the elongation enzyme, b-ketoacyl acyl carrier protein synthase (FabF) of the fatty acid synthesis pathway.