Bugworks and GARDP collaborate to accelerate development of novel antibiotic to treat serious infections
The Hindu
Biopharmaceutical company Bugworks Research, which has research and development facilities in Bengaluru, has entered a partnership with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) based out of Switzerland. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of an antibiotic compound for treating serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Biopharmaceutical company Bugworks Research, which has research and development facilities in Bengaluru, has entered a partnership with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) based out of Switzerland. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of an antibiotic compound for treating serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, Bugworks develops multi-target therapeutic assets in the anti-infectives and oncology areas. It is currently developing the compound BWC0977 which aims to address problems arising from serious hospital and community infections, and bacterial biothreats.
The compound will go through Phase-1 clinical trials next year. As part of the collaboration, GARDP would provide resources and funding for up to $20 million once the trials are a success.
According to the company, BWC0977 has the potential to treat infections that are becoming difficult to treat due to the increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens. These pathogens can cause hospital-associated infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis and urinary tract infections.
“Since 2019, we have been following with interest the development of BWC0977 as a potential treatment for drug-resistant infections caused by the most harmful and deadly bacteria on the WHO priority pathogens list,” said Dr. Manica Balasegaram, GARDP’s Executive Director.
“We are delighted to be able to accelerate the development of this promising antibiotic compound, by supporting clinical and pharmaceutical development activities, with the hope of getting it to patients where it is most needed,” he added.
GARDP would also work with Bugworks to advance BWC0977 through Phase II and Phase III studies, and support its pharmaceutical development and commercialization. This is hoped to help the company launch it in the European Union, US, Japan and China.
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