iNtRON Biotechnology has announced a strategic initiative to expand the clinical applications of its endolysin-based drug SAL200, seeking partners to develop a nasal decolonization solution for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
The South Korea and Boston-based biotechnology company is targeting a critical unmet need in hospital infection control. MRSA remains one of the most dangerous superbugs globally, with infection rates rising in both hospital and community settings. Even in sterile operating environments, MRSA-related SSIs frequently originate from patients' own nasal passages or skin.
"We believe SAL200 can fill a critical gap in MRSA nasal decolonization, an area in urgent need of a new solution," said YOON Kyung Won, CEO of iNtRON. "We aim to begin clinical development for this new indication in 2025."
Growing Resistance to Current Standards of Care
Current prevention strategies rely heavily on mupirocin-based nasal ointments as the standard of care for pre-surgical decolonization. However, resistance rates to these treatments continue to increase, leaving clinicians with limited effective options for preventing MRSA infections.
These infections can lead to extended hospital stays, increased treatment costs, and in severe cases, serious systemic complications including sepsis, osteomyelitis, or endocarditis. Patients at highest risk include those undergoing implant or cardiac surgeries, as well as individuals with compromised immune systems.
Leveraging Established Safety Profile
SAL200 has already demonstrated a strong safety profile through Phase 1a/1b and Phase 2a clinical trials as an intravenous injection for treating infective endocarditis and bacteremia. Encouraged by feedback from clinical experts, iNtRON is now pursuing an additional indication for the drug as a pre-operative MRSA nasal decolonization solution.
"As SAL200 has demonstrated its strong efficacy and safety as an I.V. injection formulation in the previous clinical studies, we believe it can be developed into a nasal or topical use formulation through a much simplified clinical trial process," explained YOON.
Market Opportunity and Partnership Strategy
According to industry reports cited by iNtRON, the global nasal decolonization market was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. This growth is driven by heightened hospital infection control regulations and increasing concerns over antimicrobial resistance.
The company is actively seeking global partners to co-develop a new formulation, delivery route, and product type for nasal or topical use. These partnerships would include collaboration on preclinical and clinical studies aimed at commercialization.
"We are open to all types of partnerships including co-development and licensing, and welcome discussion with those who share our vision," added YOON.
Innovative Approach to Superbugs
iNtRON Biotechnology specializes in developing bacteriophage-derived technologies and immune therapeutics. The company focuses on first-in-class and first-in-concept bio-drugs to combat infectious diseases and immune-related disorders.
SAL200 represents part of the company's innovative approach to addressing antimicrobial resistance, one of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare. By repurposing the drug for nasal decolonization, iNtRON aims to provide a novel solution to prevent MRSA-related surgical site infections and reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings.
The company's strategic initiative comes at a time when healthcare systems worldwide are increasingly focused on infection prevention as a cost-effective approach to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare expenditures.
