Bacterial superantigens are among the most lethal of toxins that can potentially be used as bioweapons. Callisto’s lead monoclonal antibody (Mab) and antagonist peptide are being developed to provide broad-spectrum protection against a variety of superantigen toxins from staphylococcal and streptococcal bacterial strains.
The principal investigator of the grant is Dr Kunwar Shailubhai, senior vice president, of drug discovery for Synergy Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Callisto. The grant will also fund a key collaboration with Dr Sina Bavari of the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, to evaluate Callisto’s Mab and antagonist peptide agents in animal models.
“We have made it clear that a corporate objective in 2005 is to explore strategic options for further development of the superantigen program,” said Dr Gary Jacob, CEO of Callisto. “This award from NIAID provides key financing, as we move forward with our strategy of spinning off or finding a strategic partner for this program.”