Polyphor Finds New Class Of Antibiotics Against Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria

Polyphor claimed that the most advanced drug candidate in this new class is POL7080 that selectively kills the dangerous bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Polyphor has applied its proprietary Protein Epitope Mimetics Technology (PEM Technology) in collaboration with John Robinson at the University of Zurich, to identify new antibiotics that either act against a broad-spectrum of bacteria or selectively target one particular bacterial strain. The joint research effort resulted in the discovery of a new drug target and mechanism of action by which Gram-negative bacteria are killed effectively.

Polyphor said that the antibiotic PEM drug candidate POL7080 represents an important new weapon to combat life-threatening infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa which frequently occur in the hospital setting or in chronic lung infections.

Polyphor is currently preparing the start of Phase I clinical trials with POL7080 to rapidly advance the clinical development and has initiated out-licensing negotiations with Pharma partners.

Jean-Pierre Obrecht, CEO of Polyphor, said: “The discovery of a new class of antibiotics with a novel mode of action exemplifies the power of the PEM Technology to yield a new class of drugs that complements established drug classes, such as small molecules and biopharmaceuticals.”

Daniel Obrecht, CSO of Polyphor, said: “This breakthrough in antibiotic research is the result of ten years of intense collaboration between Polyphor and the University of Zurich. Emerging resistance observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa against all current antibiotics constitutes a real threat for patients. This new class of antibiotics therefore closes an important gap for future treatment options.”