CARB-X celebrates fifth anniversary, $361M invested into innovative therapeutics

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the founding of Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X), a global non-profit partnership dedicated to funding and supporting the development of new products to counter antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

According to CARB-X, that support has taken the form of $361 million in non-dilutive funding for therapeutic development since July 2016. Such efforts have included new classes of antibiotics, non-traditional agents, vaccines, and other preventatives, along with new, rapid diagnostics.

All share a single goal: stopping antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in their tracks to prevent the estimated 700,000 deaths they cause each year. This is especially important since these infections are becoming more widespread each year, as well.

“The CARB-X portfolio is distinct; no other in the world encompasses therapeutics, diagnostics, and preventatives from early preclinical through Phase 1 development,” CARB-X Executive Director Kevin Outterson said. “In just five years, CARB-X has steadily built the world’s largest and most scientifically diverse antibacterial R&D portfolio focused on the most dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”

Currently, CARB-X supports 60 projects. Nine of these have moved from its portfolio to new phases, such as regulatory approval, new drug applications, Phase Two evaluation, or extra funding. It has helped advance 10 projects into Phase One testing, including eight first-in-human, and supported nine Investigational New Drug applications or their equivalent. Since its founding, however, CARB-X has supported 92 different projects in 12 countries — many, as is often the case with antibacterial products, have failed. The learning curve is high.

“This international partnership has exceeded the U.S. five-year goals, has served to revitalize the pipeline for antibacterial products, and has demonstrated how much can be accomplished when government, international partners, and the private sector work toward a common goal,” Dr. Gary Disbrow, BARDA Director, said. “Through this partnership, new and innovative products are entering clinical development with the potential to save lives and turn the tide on antibiotic-resistant infections.”

Antibacterial-resistant infections can cause various troublesome conditions, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections with increased fatality capability due to their resistance.