BioVersys AG announced plans to present promising Phase 2 clinical trial results for BV100, its novel antibiotic candidate targeting carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), at the upcoming 35th Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ESCMID Global 2025) taking place April 11-15, 2025.
The Swiss biopharmaceutical company will deliver an oral presentation on April 13 highlighting data from its Phase 2 trial of BV100 in patients with ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP) caused by CRAB. According to preliminary results, the combination of BV100 with polymyxin B demonstrated "a substantial survival benefit" compared to best available therapy (BAT) and was generally safe and well-tolerated in this critically ill patient population.
"We are convinced that BV100 has the potential to become a game changer in the way patients with CRAB infections are treated," said Dr. Glenn Dale, Chief Development Officer of BioVersys, who will present the Phase 2 results.
A Novel Approach to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
BV100 represents a significant innovation in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. The drug is a novel intravenous formulation of rifabutin with a unique mechanism of action that involves active uptake into Gram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii. This allows it to target the RNA-polymerase enzyme in these bacteria at clinically relevant doses – a first for this bacterial class.
The clinical development program focuses on three critical indications: ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP), hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP), and bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by Acinetobacter baumannii calcoaceticus complex (ABC), including carbapenem-resistant strains.
BV100 received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) Designation from the U.S. FDA in May 2019, making it eligible for priority review, Fast Track designation, and a five-year extension of market exclusivity upon approval.
Comprehensive Data Presentation at ESCMID
BioVersys will present eight sets of clinical and preclinical data on BV100 and its earlier-stage candidate BV500 at ESCMID Global 2025. Key presentations include:
- Phase 2 Clinical Results: Efficacy and safety data from the VABP trial showing BV100 plus polymyxin B provided survival benefit versus best available therapy
- Pharmacokinetics in Lung Tissue: Data demonstrating high penetration of rifabutin into epithelial lining fluid after intravenous administration
- Preclinical Efficacy Models: Results showing potent activity in neutropenic murine lung and thigh infection models against multiple A. baumannii strains
- Intracellular and Biofilm Activity: Evidence that rifabutin effectively eradicates A. baumannii in intracellular environments and biofilms
The company will also host a symposium titled "Conquering the superbug crisis: new hope for treating carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii" on April 14, featuring international experts discussing the challenges and potential solutions for CRAB infections.
Addressing a Critical Global Health Threat
Acinetobacter baumannii represents one of the most serious antimicrobial resistance threats worldwide. These Gram-negative bacteria primarily affect critically ill and immunocompromised patients, causing severe pneumonia and bloodstream infections with mortality rates as high as 50%.
The pathogen is particularly concerning due to its environmental persistence and rapid development of resistance to standard antibiotics. According to BioVersys, the annual number of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections in hospitals has surpassed one million globally, with resistance rates among the highest recorded for any bacteria (The Lancet 2022; 399: 629–55).
"The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly exacerbated the incidence and resistance rates for ABC," noted a company statement, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment options.
Pipeline Expansion with BV500
Beyond BV100, BioVersys will present preclinical data on BV500, a compound being developed for non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) infections. Early results suggest BV500 overcomes Arr-mediated resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus, demonstrating potent activity against NTM, including within macrophages, with a low potential for resistance development.
BioVersys is advancing multiple programs targeting resistant bacterial infections, including alpibectir for tuberculosis (currently in Phase 2a in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline and the University of Lille). The company's pipeline is built on two proprietary technology platforms: TRIC and Ansamycin Chemistry.
With BV100 now Phase 3-ready following the positive Phase 2 results, BioVersys is positioned to advance a potential new standard of care for one of the most challenging pathogens in modern medicine.
