GlaxoSmithKline signed the deal with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of the US Department of Defense, and said that it will provide supplemental staff and cover other program costs.
The research will focus on gram negative pathogens like Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Acinetobacter, which are increasingly resistant to all known classes of antibiotics. These bacteria can cause a significant health threat to patients, particularly those in intensive care units.
Gram negative infection is associated with an increase in morbidity, and in severe cases can lead on to septic shock and an increase in mortality. Although there are antibiotics in development from established classes, there is only one novel class systemic agent in clinical trials to address this mounting problem.
Dr Patrick Vallance, senior vice president, GSK drug discovery said: “GSK is committed to identifying and progressing novel antibacterials that address this rapidly emerging public health threat. This agreement with DTRA provides a substantial resource towards address the challenges of this area and will enable us to accelerate the delivery of new gram negative antibacterials for patients.”