Basilea Pharmaceutica has been awarded $7.3 million in additional funding from Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) to support the advancement of its antibiotic candidate, BAL2420. This funding aims to propel BAL2420 towards first-in-human clinical trials, which are anticipated to commence by mid-2026. The drug is designed to combat severe infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant strains, addressing a critical unmet need in hospital settings.
Novel LptA Inhibitor
BAL2420 is a lipooligosaccharide phosphoethanolamine transferase A (LptA) inhibitor, representing a novel class of antibiotics with bactericidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria. LptA is an essential enzyme in Gram-negative bacteria responsible for the transport of lipopolysaccharide to the outer membrane. Inhibition of LptA disrupts the integrity of the bacterial outer membrane, leading to bacterial cell death.
The additional funding from CARB-X is supported by various entities, including the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and contributions from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and Wellcome.
Addressing Unmet Medical Needs
Gram-negative bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae, have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as priority pathogens for which new treatment options are urgently needed. Infections caused by these bacteria are often associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in hospitalized patients. The rise of antibiotic-resistant strains further complicates treatment and underscores the importance of developing new classes of antibiotics like BAL2420.
Dr. Laurenz Kellenberger, Chief Scientific Officer of Basilea Pharmaceutica, expressed enthusiasm for CARB-X’s continued support, stating that LptA inhibitors have the potential to address an unmet medical need in the hospital-based treatment of severe infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
Acquisition and Prior Funding
Basilea acquired the LptA antibiotics program from Spexis earlier this year. Prior to this additional funding, Basilea received an initial CARB-X grant of up to $0.9 million in April, which supported early preclinical activities. Following this initial grant, Basilea nominated BAL2420 as a drug candidate, triggering a final milestone payment to Spexis.
Ceftobiprole Update
In other portfolio news, Basilea announced that ceftobiprole (Sibipre®) has been included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) at the end of 2024. This inclusion makes it eligible for reimbursement under the Chinese national basic medical insurance program starting in 2025, improving access to this important antibiotic for patients in China.
