PT1.2 is based on a new class of antibacterial proteins called small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) which bind to bacterial DNA resulting in rapid ‘speed of kill’.
Phico envisages developing a fast-acting, easily applicable nasal gel which would combat both hospital Staphylococcus aureus infection and hospital and community methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission and drug-resistance.
Heather Fairhead, CEO and founder of Phico Therapeutics, said: “I am delighted that the Wellcome Trust see the potential of PT1.2. This award will enable us to conduct Phase I and II clinical trials with results expected in third quarter of 2009 and in third quarter of 2010 respectively.”