BioVersys AG announced today that the Chinese Patent Office has granted important patent claims for its BV100 technology, a novel intravenous formulation of rifabutin targeting multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. This patent approval extends protection of BioVersys' proprietary technology to more than 25 countries worldwide, including major markets such as the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and now China.
BV100 represents a significant advancement in the fight against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), a priority pathogen designated by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The drug candidate leverages a newly identified mechanism of action involving active uptake of rifabutin into the Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex.
"With the addition of China, we now have patents protecting BV100 granted in all the major markets, covering more than 25 countries," said Dr. Marc Gitzinger, Chief Executive Officer of BioVersys. "In our commitment to bring BV100 as life-saving medicine to patients as fast as possible, this addition to our patent coverage is key due to the absolute numbers of patients affected by Acinetobacter infections in China."
Strategic Importance of the Chinese Market
The Chinese patent approval holds particular significance given the epidemiological landscape in the region. Incidence rates for Acinetobacter infections are notably higher in China and throughout Asia, with resistance rates reaching an alarming 60-80%. Recent epidemiological data suggests that more than one million patients in China alone suffer annually from severe CRAB pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
Hospital-acquired infections caused by CRAB present a serious global health threat with limited effective treatment options. Mortality rates for these infections can reach as high as 50%, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches.
Clinical Development Plans
BioVersys is preparing to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial in China in the near future. This strategic move will enable the inclusion of Chinese sites in the company's planned Phase 3 registration trial for BV100, scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.
"Accessing the Chinese market will allow BV100 to target a global peak sales potential of USD 800 million and tackle unacceptably high carbapenem resistance rates and associated high mortality rates of up to 50%, from Acinetobacter baumannii hospital infections," Dr. Gitzinger explained.
Innovative Mechanism and Clinical Applications
BV100 represents a breakthrough in antimicrobial therapy as it enables, for the first time, the targeting of the RNA-polymerase enzyme in Gram-negative bacteria with a human-suitable dose. The drug candidate is being developed specifically for the treatment of infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii calcoaceticus complex (ABC), including carbapenem-resistant strains.
The clinical focus for BV100 includes critically important indications such as ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP), hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP), and bloodstream infections (BSI). These conditions represent significant areas of unmet medical need, particularly in intensive care settings where patients are most vulnerable to resistant infections.
Regulatory Advantages
BV100 has already secured Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2019 for the treatment of VABP, HABP, and BSI. This designation confers several regulatory benefits, including eligibility for priority FDA review, Fast Track designation, and a five-year extension of market exclusivity upon approval of the first QIDP indication.
The Growing Threat of Acinetobacter baumannii
Acinetobacter baumannii represents one of the most challenging pathogens in modern healthcare settings. These Gram-negative bacteria are found naturally in soil and water but become dangerous opportunistic pathogens in clinical environments, particularly affecting critically ill and immunocompromised patients.
What makes A. baumannii particularly concerning is its remarkable ability to survive for extended periods on surfaces combined with its capacity to develop or acquire resistance to standard antibiotics, including carbapenems. According to data published in The Lancet (2022; 399: 629–55), carbapenem-resistance and multidrug-resistance rates for ABC are among the highest recorded for any bacteria in current times.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this problem, with incidence and resistance rates trending upward. BioVersys estimates that the annual number of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections in hospitals has now surpassed one million globally.
About BioVersys
BioVersys AG is a multi-asset, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. The company focuses on identifying, developing, and commercializing novel antibacterial products for serious life-threatening infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria.
The company's research and development programs stem from two internal technology platforms: TRIC and Ansamycin Chemistry. These platforms enable the development of candidates designed to overcome resistance mechanisms, block virulence production, and directly affect the pathogenesis of harmful bacteria.
Beyond BV100, BioVersys is also advancing alpibectir, currently in Phase 2a development for tuberculosis, in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and a consortium from the University of Lille, France.
As antimicrobial resistance continues to pose a growing global health threat, innovations like BV100 represent critical advances in addressing infections with limited or no effective treatment options.
