Today, Polyphor Ltd published the discovery of a new class of
antibiotics with a novel mode of action (Science, VOL 327, ISSUE 5968).
This proprietary new class of antibiotics is effective against
multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria, opening up new treatment
options for serious and often life-threatening infections. The most
advanced drug candidate in this new class, POL7080, selectively kills
the dangerous bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
“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”
In collaboration with Prof. John Robinson at the University of Zürich,
Polyphor applied its proprietary Protein Epitope Mimetics Technology
(PEM Technology) to identify new antibiotics that either act against a
broad-spectrum of bacteria or selectively target one particular
bacterial strain. This joint research effort resulted in the discovery
of a new drug target and mechanism of action by which Gram-negative
bacteria are killed effectively.
Many Gram-negative bacteria have become multi-drug resistant in recent
years as they have developed mechanisms to escape the therapeutic
effects of current antibiotic drugs. New antibiotics against drug
resistant bacteria are thus urgently needed as the current arsenal of
drugs becomes ineffective against such resistant pathogens. However, in
the history of pharmaceutical research, the discovery of a new class of
antibiotics with a novel mechanism of action is a rare event occurring
only about once every 20 years. This reported discovery therefore
represents a major breakthrough in antibiotic research.
The leading antibiotic PEMdrug 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.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Obrecht, CEO of Polyphor, commented:
“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”.
Dr. Daniel Obrecht, CSO of Polyphor, added:
“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”.
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