Infex Therapeutics, in collaboration with Germany's Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (JLU), has secured a £1 million grant from Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy (PACE) to develop a groundbreaking antimicrobial drug targeting multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria.
The funding will support the development of a first-in-class BamA inhibitor, representing an entirely new approach to combating drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. BamA, a key protein specific to Gram-negative bacteria that was previously considered undruggable, has emerged as a promising target for antimicrobial therapy.
Novel Mechanism of Action
The innovative treatment works by blocking BamA, effectively weakening bacterial defenses and interfering with their growth mechanisms. This approach makes it easier for the body's immune system to combat infections, particularly those caused by resistant organisms.
Dr. Peter Jackson, CEO of Infex Therapeutics, emphasized the significance of this development: "BamA inhibitors represent an entirely new treatment option for infections caused by MDR Gram-negative pathogens, against which effective treatment options are dwindling. Importantly, the project offers an exciting opportunity to expand and diversify our portfolio of first-in-class anti-infectives."
Development Pipeline and Target Pathogens
The grant will fund crucial development stages, including:
- Optimization of manufacturing processes
- Lead-optimization program featuring DMPK studies
- Safety testing and microbiological profiling
- Efficacy studies against MDR Gram-negative pathogens
The drug aims to demonstrate broad-spectrum activity against WHO-critical priority MDR Gram-negative pathogens, including Enterobacterales (E. coli and K. pneumoniae) and P. aeruginosa. These pathogens have shown resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, currently the most widely used antibiotic class globally.
Addressing Critical Medical Needs
The initial focus will be on developing a treatment for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), addressing a significant unmet medical need in the face of increasing antimicrobial resistance.
"We are thrilled to team up with Infex and become part of PACE's portfolio to develop our molecules into new treatment options for patients suffering from life-threatening infections," stated Dr. Till Schäberle, professor for natural product research at JLU.
Dr. Clive Mason, Programme Director at PACE, added: "The team have a highly promising approach that aims to treat complicated urinary tract infections that are becoming increasingly resistant to currently available therapeutics. We look forward to supporting them to move their project closer to the clinic, ultimately realizing patient benefit."
