BioVersys receives second CARB-X award of up to USD 15.34 million for antibiotic

BioVersys AG, a privately owned clinical stage, multi-asset Swiss pharmaceutical company focusing on research and development of small molecules for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections with applications in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and targeted microbiome modulation, announced today, US$ 4.35 million in non-dilutive funding from CARB-X, with the possibility of US$ 10.98 million more if certain project milestones are met. This second award for a BioVersys project will support the research and development of a novel class of pyrrolocytosine antibiotics.

The pyrrolocytosines (BV300) represent a novel chemical class of small molecules inhibiting the bacterial ribosome, a validated antibacterial target, but on a yet unexploited binding site. These molecules exhibit a robust coverage of all relevant ESKAPE pathogens (E. faecium, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa and Enterobacter species), urgent and serious threats on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) priority list, and of biothreat pathogens. BioVersys will deploy the funds for a focused Lead Optimization campaign to successfully develop this highly promising compound class for difficult to treat severe infections, including pneumonia.

Dr. Sergio Lociuro, CSO of BioVersys: “We are pleased to receive this award from CARB-X and continue the discovery and development of new pyrrolocytosine antibiotics. Novel classes of broad-spectrum antibiotics with demonstrated in vitro and in vivo activity against all ESKAPE clinical isolates are like rare gems. We are excited to tackle the challenges of developing this totally new chemical class, potentially providing the first truly broadly active new class of antibiotics since decades.“

Dr. Marc Gitzinger, CEO and founder of BioVersys: “We are grateful to CARB-X for their continued trust in the BioVersys team to develop innovation in the field of AMR and expand our already successful collaboration. The CARB-X award for BV300 is the second project funded by CARB-X that is being developed at BioVersys. This is a further validation of our high-quality science, strong team and commitment to developing novel AMR therapies for patients with unmet medical needs.”

Dr. Seng Chin Mah, Chairman of BioVersys: “BioVersys executes further on its strategic plan towards a potential corporate event in the near future. In addition to our clinical programs, the continued focus on our preclinical portfolio will provide important follow-up assets for further value creation and maintenance of shareholder confidence. This novel broad-spectrum antibiotic, which will fill a critical void in the current armamentarium of limited therapies, is now firmly a part of BioVersys’ journey towards leadership in AMR.”