ANTABIO – PEi Program

Antimicrobial resistance affects a high percentage of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. This happens due to a combination of a variety of factors, which includes physiological changes. Thus, in these patients, it is imperative to find an antimicrobial therapy that does not induce resistance, or highly active against resistance strains

ANTABIO’s PEi program seeks to develop an inhaled drug which can be used as an adjunct to existing antibiotic therapy and which will reduce the frequency and severity of Pseudomonas exacerbations by targeting both the virulence and persistence of biofilm-adapted infections. ANTABIO has developed a tractable lead series with potent whole cell activity against clinical Pseudomonas isolates and excellent potential for inhaled administration. The candidate is a small molecule against P. aeruginosa infections, the most common in patients at risk due to cystic fibrosis. Specifically, it targets the LasB elastase virulence factor of P. aeruginosa, which is responsible for the bacteria’s ability to evade the immune system.

Antabio topped applications submitted by 366 other companies and reviewed by CARB-X, which is backed by the United States Government through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the UK charity Wellcome Trust. The initial prize of $2.8 million will be used toward the continued development of Antabio’s elastase inhibitors through to identification of a preclinical candidate. Antabio could receive a further $6.1 million by meeting specific milestones which would fund the program through to the end of Phase 1 clinical trials.