Latest news with #Gram-negative
Business Wire
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Centauri Therapeutics Receives an Additional $5.1M from CARB-X to Progress ABX-01 Lead Compound to First in Human Clinical Trials
ALDERLEY PARK, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Centauri Therapeutics Limited (' Centauri ' or 'the Company'), an immunotherapy company with a unique and proprietary platform technology applicable across a wide range of therapeutic indications, announced today that CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) has provided an additional $5.1M in funding for the development of their lead compound. The funds will contribute to the advancement of the lead candidate in Centauri's ABX-01 programme into first in human clinical studies, and this latest funding brings CARB-X's total support from 2019 to date to $12.3M. Centauri announced the selection of its first clinical candidate in the ABX-01 programme in March 2025 1. The candidate is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial specifically selected to combat clinically prevalent and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Based on the Company's proprietary Alphamer ® platform, it is designed to target serious Gram-negative bacterial infections in the lung, expanding therapeutic options for the most vulnerable patients. It employs a dual mechanism of action, combining immunotherapeutic effects through complement fixation and phagocytosis with intrinsic antibacterial properties, within a single molecule. Early efficacy studies have demonstrated the compound's activity against Gram-negative bacteria. ' The unwavering scientific and financial support from CARB-X has provided stability to Centauri as a company, expanded understanding of our Alphamer platform, and enabled us to progress the ABX-01 programme from discovery, through early development, and is now providing a smooth and continuous path towards First in Human clinical studies, ' said Dr. Jennifer Schneider, Chief Executive Officer, Centauri Therapeutics. ' We are thankful for CARB-X and their continued engagement and confidence, which has allowed us to move a step closer to delivering a much needed therapeutic for serious, drug-resistant Gram-negative infections, even in the most clinically vulnerable patients. ' Dr. Erin Duffy, Chief of Research and Development, CARB-X, commented: 'We have been proud to support Centauri, beginning with answering key questions on the approach and continuing with the drug discovery that has led to the lead asset of ABX-01 and its progression towards building a dossier to support its advancement into first in human clinical trials. ' CARB-X's funding for this project is provided in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority; under agreement number: 75A50122C00028, and by awards from Wellcome (WT224842), and Germany's Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The content of this press release is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of CARB-X or any of its funders.
Time Business News
16-07-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Peptide Antibiotics Gain Momentum Amid Rising Resistance and R&D Advances
Peptide antibiotics is basically short chains of amino acids make up the family of antimicrobial medicines. They are either naturally occurring or artificially created to combat bacterial infections. Peptide antibiotics are effective because they break down bacterial cell walls or prevent vital bacterial processes, even against strains of bacteria that counter antibiotics. Peptide antibiotics appeal is increased by their capacity to target germs that are resistant to many drugs, as well as by developments in peptide synthesis and drug delivery technology. Other growth factors include increasing pharmaceutical R&D expenditures, growing awareness of hospital-acquired infections, and encouraging government programs for the development of novel antibiotics. Key Growth Drivers and Opportunities Rising Antibiotic Resistance: The increasing antibiotics resistance makes the conventional antibiotics less effective against bacteria that are resistant to multiple drugs leading towards adoption of peptide antibiotics. Novel peptide-based solutions have higher investments from government, healthcare institutions, and pharmaceutical corporations in order to counter the increasing global health danger posed by superbugs and the pressing need for new, effective therapies. With increasing demand for potent antimicrobials, the peptide antibiotics industry is seeing a surge in research, development, and commercialization. Challenges The peptide antibiotics mostly requires complicated and complex synthesis processes that can be expensive, consumes more time and labor-intensive as they need creating accurate sequences of amino acids with certain structures and clear modifications. To improve stability or activity of some procedures, solid-phase peptide synthesis, purification procedures, and chemical alterations are needed with each call for specific tools and knowledge. This intricacy increases production costs and restricts scalability. Innovation and Expansion New peptide antibiotic stops bacteria by binding where no drug has before In March 2025, the lariocidin was discovered which is a lasso peptide making a breakthrough step ahead in antibiotics. Found by McMaster University researchers binds to a bacterial ribosome location which was previously untargeted, preventing protein production and leading to incorrect coding. The antibiotics peptide effectively counters the multi-drug-resistant bacteria in animal models and lab studies, having a minimum toxicity and lower potential for resistance development. New Human-Derived Peptides Show Promise Against Superbugs in June 2025 Breakthrough In June 2025, a novel class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been identified by Researchers at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona that is embedded within human glycosaminoglycan-binding proteins. In both in vitro experiments and mice sepsis models, HBP-5 showed strong, targeted efficacy against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria with no harm to human cells. The Lariocidin's therapeutic potential in hostile biological conditions is further enhanced by its extraordinary durability against enzymatic degradation due to its unique lasso structure. First Peptide-Based Long-Lasting Frown Line Treatment In September 2022, The U.S. FDA has cleared DAXXIFY (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) for injection, according to a statement released by Revance Therapeutics. Since DAXXIFY is the first and only peptide-formulated neuromodulator that provides long-lasting cosmetic results, this is a significant milestone. In comparison to current botulinum toxin treatments, the product is intended to lessen the appearance of frown lines and may have a longer duration of action. Innovation in Antibiotics, Expand Markets The key players operating in the peptide antibiotics market include, Merck & Co., Inc., Monarch Pharmachem, AbbVie Inc., VERRA, Melinta Therapeutics LLC, and others. Long-term goals consist of to improve product quality and scalability, peptide antibiotic firms are concentrating on innovation through robust research and development, strategic partnerships, and economical production. About Author: Prophecy is a specialized market research, analytics, marketing and business strategy, and solutions company that offer strategic and tactical support to clients for making well-informed business decisions and to identify and achieve high value opportunities in the target business area. Also, we help our client to address business challenges and provide best possible solutions to overcome them and transform their business. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
![[iNtRON] Files U.S. Patent for Three Novel Endolysin-Based Drug Candidates Targeting Gram-Negative Bacteria](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fkoreaherald.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Korea Herald
03-07-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
[iNtRON] Files U.S. Patent for Three Novel Endolysin-Based Drug Candidates Targeting Gram-Negative Bacteria
BOSTON and SEOUL, South Korea, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1,200 reported cases of CRE (Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae) infections have been reported in the In-cheon region of South Korea alone between January and April of this year. In addition, in June of this year, a report was released that an investigation had begun into Salmonella infections linked to eggs across seven U.S. states. These and other ongoing reports are raising awareness about the dangers of CRE, a representative Gram-negative bacterium, as infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria are becoming an increasingly serious global issue. Amid the growing trend of infectious disease outbreaks caused by Gram-negative bacteria, we have determined that it is time to move forward with the commercialization of related technologies. Accordingly, we have recently completed U.S. patent applications for three novel endolysin-derived drug candidates showing strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and superbugs. These newly patented drug candidates — PKL200, TSL2200, and EAL2200 — were derived from the GN200 development program that has been carried out over the past several years using the proprietary platform technology we named "itLysin." The drug candidate PKL200 demonstrates strong bacteriolytic activity against several major Gram-negative bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Enterobacter cloacae, including CRE. It also exhibits antibacterial activity against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which is one of the major causes of urinary tract infections (UTI). PKL200 is considered a highly promising drug candidate with potential for treating various indications, including intestinal CRE clearance, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Another drug candidate, TSL2200, is a pipeline that offers rapid bactericidal effects against all types of Salmonella. It is expected to be used to prevent and treat Salmonella infections caused by contaminated eggs, meat, salads, tomatoes, and other foods. Its potential applications extend to the dairy, meat processing, and broader food processing industries, as well as being a treatment for food poisoning. EAL2200 is a pipeline that provides antibacterial activity against bacteria of the Erwinia genus, which cause bacterial diseases in fruit crops, including fire blight. In a situation where there are currently no safe and effective treatments for fire blight, this pipeline is expected to be used as a bio-control agent and therapeutic with biological safety for both the environment and human health. All of the newly patented drug candidates were developed through the itLysin platform, an advanced endolysin technology derived from our long-standing expertise in bacteriophage and endolysin technologies. Traditional antibiotics and other drugs have shown limited effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria due to the outer membrane barrier. However, the drug candidates developed through the itLysin platform have been designed to more efficiently penetrate the outer membrane structure of Gram-negative bacteria, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing drugs and technologies. This patent application was not merely for the purpose of securing rights but was a strategic decision focused on commercialization. While it was common in the past to file patents first and then seek commercialization opportunities, this time, the patents were filed based on thorough commercialization preparations. This is a strategy that effectively secures rights to the drug candidates and is advantageous in terms of technology security. We are leading the development of new drugs against super bacteria based on our proprietary bacteriophage and endolysin technologies, and we have secured multiple promising pipelines. Recently, we have presented our commercialization strategy through press briefings and corporate presentations. With global pharmaceutical companies showing significant interest due to the lack of effective antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria worldwide, we plan to accelerate the development of pipelines targeting Gram-negative bacteria based on these recent patent applications. We will continue our efforts to achieve tangible results through various commercialization strategies. it is iNtRON.
Hans India
22-06-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Imported seafood increasing resistance to colistin, a potent antibiotic: Study
A team of US researchers on Sunday said it has identified a way that colistin (a potent, last-resort antibiotic) resistance genes are spreading via imported seafood. Colistin is used only to treat people with dangerous, life-threatening bacterial infections that have developed resistance to other drugs. But it's not foolproof. Worldwide, resistance to colistin is spreading, further diminishing treatment options and putting infected people at higher risk. Researchers from the University of Georgia recently identified a way that colistin resistance genes are spreading. In a new study, microbiologist Issmat Kassem, and his group have reported the first isolation of colistin-resistance genes in bacteria found in imported shrimp and scallops, purchased from 8 food markets around Atlanta. 'Many people don't know that most seafood consumed in the U.S. is imported, Kassem said, including about 90 per cent of shrimp. Imported seafood is screened for contaminants but the process doesn't catch everything, especially antimicrobial resistance genes. 'The bacteria that were carrying colistin resistance genes are not normally screened.' Kassem and his group also found that some of the resistance genes are carried on plasmids — round bits of genetic material that can be transmitted from bacteria to bacteria. Antimicrobial resistant infections kill hundreds of thousands of people globally every year, and antimicrobial resistance is a rising public health menace. Colistin was first introduced in the 1950s to treat infections by pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria, but it takes a heavy toll on patients, including increased risk of damage to the nerves and kidneys. It was discontinued in the U.S. in the 1980s. However, Kassem noted, other countries continued to use it in agricultural settings, both to treat infections and to promote animal growth. Colistin was eventually reintroduced to human medicine because it was one of the few options available to treat certain bacterial infections. The World Health Organization categorises colistin as a high priority critically important antibiotic, which means it is an essential option for treating serious human infections. Researchers cautioned that the group identified 1 source of colistin resistance, but there could be other, and they're likely spreading.
Arabian Post
12-06-2025
- Health
- Arabian Post
Breakthrough Antibiotic to Combat Deadly Superbug Advances
Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche has advanced its antibiotic candidate, zosurabalpin, into Phase 3 clinical trials, representing a potential landmark in the fight against Gram-negative bacterial infections. Targeting carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, the drug could mark the first approval of a novel antibiotic class in more than 50 years. Zosurabalpin, a tethered macrocyclic peptide developed in collaboration with Harvard University, disrupts the outer lipopolysaccharide membrane essential for bacterial survival. Early-stage studies demonstrated favourable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles, while animal models of lung and thigh infections caused by CRAB confirmed its therapeutic potential. Roche anticipates enrolling approximately 400 hospitalised patients worldwide in the upcoming trial round, with the aim of comparing zosurabalpin directly against current standard-of-care antibiotics. The urgency of this development is underscored by CRAB's classification by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an 'urgent threat' and by the World Health Organization as a high priority pathogen. Infection fatality rates hover around 40–60%, particularly among immunocompromised patients such as those in intensive care. Existing antibiotics are often ineffective due to CRAB's robust outer membranes that thwart drug penetration. ADVERTISEMENT Phase 3 trials are scheduled to begin late this year or in early 2026, spanning over 100 global sites and aiming for regulatory submission by the decade's end. Roche executives emphasise that approval would not only address a dire clinical need but also serve as a catalyst for renewed antibiotic research, especially against Gram-negative organisms. 'Finding new classes is very hard,' noted Michael Lobritz, Roche's global head of infectious diseases; approval could lay groundwork for future innovation. Roche has previously stepped back from antibiotic R&D, but a reinvestment around ten years ago has now yielded zosurabalpin. The firm is simultaneously exploring additional novel compounds, including a LepB inhibitor targeting carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens in urinary tract infections. Efforts to restore antibiotic pipelines have gained traction from policymakers. The UK introduced a subscription-style payment model to support antimicrobial development, decoupling revenue from volume to ensure steady returns. The US is now considering similar incentives. Such frameworks aim to overcome financial disincentives that have plagued the industry, contributing to the closure of many smaller biotechs focusing on antibiotics. Meanwhile, complementary research is underway. A novel molecule named lariocidin was identified from soil bacteria by scientists at McMaster University. It targets the bacterial ribosome through a distinctive lasso-peptide structure but remains in preclinical stages. Similarly, researchers at MIT and McMaster have used artificial-intelligence methods to develop abaucin, a narrow-spectrum compound effective in killing CRAB. Both discoveries offer hope for expanding the antibiotic pipeline beyond zosurabalpin. Zosurabalpin's mechanism of action—from inhibiting lipopolysaccharide transport to compromising the bacterial envelope—distinguishes it from older therapies, which have often been broad-spectrum and prone to fostering resistance. By contrast, this new agent is narrow-spectrum, tailored to CRAB and avoiding pre-existing resistance mechanisms. The evolving antibiotic landscape now features roughly 20 candidates in clinical development for high-priority pathogens, though historical attrition rates remain troubling. Financial instability has led to the collapse of several promising antibiotic-focused firms, exemplified by Achaogen's bankruptcy in 2019 shortly after FDA approval of plazomicin. In light of these challenges, zosurabalpin represents a critical test case: its success could prove the viability of targeted, high-impact antibiotic development supported by improved economic incentives. As Roche and its collaborators gear up for the pivotal Phase 3 trial, global health advocates view the outcome not only as a potential therapeutic breakthrough, but as a signal of renewed momentum in a sector long plagued by stagnation.
