Under the agreement, Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) will invest up to $9.3 million in the Migenix’ R&D activities related to MX-2401, a novel lipopeptide candidate in preclinical development for the treatment of serious, gram-positive bacterial infections. The investment covers development of MX-2401 up to and including the completion of the first phase III clinical trial.
MX-2401 is in development as an improved treatment for patients infected with life-threatening strains of Staphylococcus, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and MRSE (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis). In vitro studies have shown that MX-2401 is potent against these clinically important bacteria.
Dr Jim DeMesa, president & CEO of Migenix, stated, “With this support from the Government of Canada through the TPC program, we can now more effectively advance this important and very promising antibacterial program, while continuing to focus the majority of our resources on our more advanced clinical programs”.
Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and enterococci are now the leading cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections, a major potential indication for MX-2401.
Furthermore, antibiotic resistant strains are a growing problem. With only one new antibiotic from a new chemical class introduced in the past 30 years, the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial pathogens has led to higher mortality rates, prolonged hospitalizations, and increased health care costs.