PB BioSciences and Dong Wha to develop Zabofloxacin

Zabofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic with enhanced in-vitro activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, including strains resistant to other antibiotics. The spectrum of activity of Zabofloxacin includes those bacterial strains that are responsible for most community-acquired respiratory infections. It is anticipated that Zabofloxacin will be available as both an intravenous and oral formulation.

Dong Wha has completed a Phase I multi-dose study of the oral formulation of Zabofloxacin in healthy patients.

“Zabofloxacin has the potential to become a new work-horse antibiotic for the treatment of community acquired respiratory infections. It will be especially useful because of the ability to conveniently switch patients from IV to oral therapy,” claims Matthew A. Wikler, president and CEO of Pacific Beach BioSciences.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dong Wha granted PB BioSciences exclusive development and marketing rights worldwide, except in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. In return, PB BioSciences will make a one-time up-front payment on the execution of the license followed by potential milestone payments of up to $56.5 million if Zabofloxacin is successfully developed and commercialized. In addition, Dong Wha will receive royalties on worldwide sales of Zabofloxacin.