The Boston University global partnership CARB-X has earmarked up to $4.4 million in non-dilutive funding for the development of a new antibiotic that will target infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
CARB-X officials said the funds would be allocated to Recida Therapeutics, based in Menlo Park, Ca., as a means of backing preparation of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for RC-01 for submission to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If successful, a Phase 1 trial would be completed later this year, as well as drug product manufacturing to support subsequent clinical trials.
“The world urgently needs new classes of antibiotics and other life-saving products to prevent, diagnose and treat deadly infections,” said Kevin Outterson, CARB-X executive director and Boston University law professor. “Recida’s lead program inhibits LpxC and would represent a new drug class against Gram-negative superbugs. The projects in the Powered by CARB-X portfolio are in early development, but if successful, they offer tremendous hope in the global fight against drug-resistant bacteria.”
Researchers maintain preclinical testing showed RC-01 has shown the ability to inhibit LpxC, a key enzyme in Lipid A biosynthesis and essential component of the protective outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.
“We are very excited and most appreciative of the CARB-X award.” Recida CEO James Ge said. “Support from CARB-X significantly enhances our ability to take critical steps in the clinical development of this potentially life-saving antibiotic.”