Shanghai MicuRx Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has announced positive results from its Phase III clinical trial of MRX-4 for injection, followed by oral Contezolid tablets, for treating complex skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI) in adult patients in China. The trial met its primary efficacy endpoint, paving the way for a New Drug Application (NDA) submission in China.
The study compared intravenous MRX-4 (2000 mg loading dose, then 1000 mg every 12 hours) transitioning to oral Contezolid (800 mg every 12 hours) for 7-14 days against intravenous Linezolid in patients with cSSTI, including those with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Results indicated that the MRX-4/Contezolid regimen was non-inferior to Linezolid in clinical efficacy, successfully achieving the primary endpoint.
Safety and Tolerability
The MRX-4/Contezolid regimen demonstrated good safety and tolerability. No adverse events led to treatment discontinuation. The most common adverse events were mild and transient gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea and vomiting, and elevations in liver enzymes. Notably, the incidence of platelet reduction and hematological adverse events was significantly lower in the MRX-4/Contezolid group compared to the Linezolid group.
Future Plans for MRX-4
The successful trial outcome positions MRX-4 for potential approval and commercialization in China. MicuRx anticipates that MRX-4 will offer a more convenient medication option for critically ill patients or those unsuitable for oral administration. The company plans to engage with the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE), submit the NDA, and proceed with technical reviews and site inspections.
MicuRx is also planning a Phase III clinical trial in China to evaluate MRX-4/Contezolid tablets for infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, the international multicenter Phase III clinical trial for MRX-4/Contezolid tablets in treating diabetic foot infections will continue, with China as a participating country.
About Contezolid and MRX-4
Contezolid and MRX-4 are novel oxazolidinone antibacterial drugs developed by MicuRx, holding global intellectual property rights. Contezolid tablets (400 mg) received approval from the NMPA in China on June 1, 2021, for cSSTI treatment, marking its first global approval. MRX-4 for injection is a water-soluble prodrug of contezolid, designed to convert into the active contezolid in the body, expanding its potential applications.
