As per terms of the deal, Boston Pharmaceuticals purchased global rights to two complementary candidates targeting carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and one candidate targeting Pseudomonas.
The anti-infective drug candidates are part of the Novartis infectious diseases portfolio, which have potential to address the requirement of new agents for the treatment of antibiotic resistant Gram-negative infections.
The candidates covered in the deal include LYS228 monobactam, IID572 beta-lactamase inhibitor and MAK181 oral LpxC inhibitor for Pseudomonas infections.
The LYS228 monobactam has entered inti phase 2 clinical development. It showed activity against CRE with resistance caused by serine beta-lactamases (SBLs) and/or metallo beta-lactamases (MBLs).
The IID572 is a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which can be used in combination with LYS228 or other beta-lactam antibiotics to expand their use against difficult-to-treat infections caused by a broader spectrum of CRE.
Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research president Jay Bradner said: “The need for new antibiotics that address drug resistant bacteria is clear and we are pleased to find a partner in Boston Pharmaceuticals who will dedicate the appropriate expertise and resources for the further development and commercialization of these programs.”
Novartis is eligible to secure an upfront payment, as well as royalties and milestone payments based on commercialization of medicines.
The Swiss Pharma giant is also provided with an option to secure an equity stake in two new firms formed together with Boston Pharmaceuticals to further develop and commercialize these programs.
Boston Pharmaceuticals CEO Dr Robert Armstrong said: “Novartis has done a tremendous job advancing new solutions to infections caused by drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens and developing these innovative candidates with best-in-class or first-in-class potential. We look forward to building on this quality research as we advance these candidates.”
Boston Pharmaceuticals is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical firm that collaborates with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and academic groups to acquire or in-license drug development candidates at late stages of pre-clinical development through to early stages of clinical development.