The CARB-X accelerator has awarded USA-based firm Peptilogics up to $2.56 million to develop a new class of peptide antibiotics.
CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) is a global non-profit project devoted to early-stage antibacterial R&D, based at Boston University.
The accelerator was founded in 2016, built on an extensive collaboration between public and private bodies in the UK and the USA. It is a network of 10 groups around the world which support CARB-X funded projects.
Peptilogics funding
CARB-X said Peptilogics could receive up to $9.61 million in additional funding if the project achieves certain development milestones.
The initial application of the new antibiotic would be towards serious infections associated with implants such as prosthetic knees and hips.
Peptilogics is seeking to develop its lead compound, PLG0206, towards clinical testing. PLG0206 was developed using the firm’s novel peptide design platform, using a proprietary algorithmic process to optimize activity characteristics.
R&D chief Erin Duffy said: “Joint replacements are an increasingly common surgical procedure, and infections are the most serious and costly complication of joint replacements.”
Chief executive Jonathan Steckbeck said: “These funds will support further development of PLG0206, our lead compound that has demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against pathogens identified by WHO and CDC as critical, urgent, or high priority targets.”
