May 8, 2008 MRSA antibiotic key to Mass. company success Play video

(NECN: Josh McElveen, Lexington, Mass.) - Cubist is a company that provides a valuable weapon against the super bug known as MRSA.

MRSA is a bacteria that takes the life of one out of every five people it affects.

The Centers for Disease Control says MRSA now kills more people in the United States than the AIDS virus.

Cubist employs roughly 500 people and took in about $375 million in sales last year -- thanks to Cubicin.

Cubicin, which is used to treat skin and blood infections, is the company's best-selling product.

Cubicin kills the bacteria and allows the body to clean itself up.

Cubist Pharmaceuticals first quarter earnings significantly beat analyst expectations, helped by a nearly 50% increase in sales of its antibiotic injection Cubicin.