The Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) is joining forces with Indian biopharmaceutical company Bugworks Research to accelerate the development of a new broad-spectrum antibiotic compound.
The compound being developed by Bugworks, BWC0977, is aimed at treating patients with serious bacterial infections in both critical care and community settings.
BWC0977 has the potential to treat infections that are becoming progressively difficult to treat due to the increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens, such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. These pathogens can cause hospital-associated infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, meningitis and urinary tract infections.
“…a truly differentiated broad-spectrum drug that can tackle the toughest drug-resistant superbugs.”
The announcement follows a report by University of Queensland researchers, which warned a global crisis of antibiotic resistance is inevitable, despite promising developments in new antibiotics.
“Since 2019, we have been following with interest the development of BWC0977 as a potential treatment for drug-resistant infections caused by the most harmful and deadly bacteria on the WHO priority pathogens list,” said Dr Manica Balasegaram, GARDP’s Executive Director. “We are delighted to be able to accelerate the development of this promising antibiotic compound, by supporting clinical and pharmaceutical development activities, with the hope of getting it to patients where it is most needed.”
GARDP and Bugworks have signed a term sheet to initiate this collaboration, with the goal of formalising it through a collaboration agreement by the end of the year. According to the term sheet, GARDP would provide resources and funding for up to US$20 million to ensure a robust development programme for BWC0977.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our ongoing partnership with GARDP to accelerate the clinical development of BWC0977 and deliver a truly differentiated broad-spectrum drug that can tackle the toughest drug-resistant superbugs,” said Dr Anand Anandkumar, co-founder and CEO of Bugworks. “By leveraging GARDP’s unique global AMR network and clinical development expertise, we aim to achieve our goal of ‘Go to Globe’, ensuring equitable access to this drug to patients across the planet.”
Edited by: Diana Spencer, Senior Digital Content Editor, Drug Discovery World
