Drug component testing. Rows of vials containing genetically engineered carbohydrate molecules with possible anti-bacterial drug activity, are tested in an auto-analyser. Some of these compounds may be used to produce a drug against antibiotic- resistant bacteria. This research is conducted at Alpha-Beta Technology, USA. Alpha-Beta is a bio- technology company researching the potential of carbohydrates as therapeutic drugs. Hundreds of engineered carbohydrate molecules are synthesized and screened for antibacterial use. In this way Betafectin was produced, the first carbohydrate antibacterial drug. Betafectin stimulates the immune system cells to attack invading bacteria.