Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACXP) has announced positive results from its Phase 2 clinical trial of ibezapolstat, a drug candidate for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI). The trial, which compared ibezapolstat to vancomycin, a standard treatment for CDI, showed comparable safety and clinical cure rates, with additional benefits observed in the gut microbiome of patients treated with ibezapolstat.
The Phase 2b study, presented at the IDWeek 2024 Conference, revealed that patients treated with ibezapolstat exhibited an increased proportion of beneficial gut bacteria and a higher ratio of secondary to primary bile acids compared to those treated with vancomycin. According to Dr. Kevin Garey, a principal investigator in the study, the preservation of beneficial bacteria and the favorable bile acid profile could provide resistance against C. difficile recolonization, potentially reducing recurrence rates.
Clinical Trial Results
The Phase 2 clinical trial, conducted across 28 U.S. sites, reported a 96% clinical cure rate in patients treated with ibezapolstat. Notably, no recurrences were observed in patients who were followed for three months post-treatment. These results support Acurx's plans to confirm ibezapolstat's efficacy in upcoming Phase 3 studies.
Regulatory and Development Plans
Acurx is moving forward with preparations for international Phase 3 clinical trials and plans to seek regulatory guidance for initiating trials in the European Union, followed by the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada. The company has already reached an agreement with the FDA on key elements of the Phase 3 trials, including study design and patient population.
Ibezapolstat Mechanism and Significance
Ibezapolstat has received QIDP and Fast-Track Designation from the FDA, recognizing the urgency in developing new treatments for CDI, which is considered an urgent threat by the CDC. The drug candidate functions by inhibiting DNA polymerase IIIC, essential for bacterial DNA replication, and represents a novel class of small molecule antibiotics being developed by Acurx.
Financial Considerations
Acurx Pharmaceuticals reported a net loss of $4.1 million for the second quarter of 2024 and holds a cash reserve of $6.4 million. The company is actively seeking partnerships and non-dilutive funding options to finance the estimated $50 million cost of the Phase 3 trials. The company expects its funds to last until mid-2025 or mid-2026.
