CARB-X is partnering with Shionogi of Osaka, Japan, to support the development of a novel β-lactam antibiotic with potent activity against the dreaded superbug serine- and metallo-type carbapenemase-producers, including BL/BLI-resistant carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
Under the agreement, Shionogi will receive an initial award of up to $4.7M, with the possibility of $2.9M more from CARB-X based on the achievement of certain project milestones.
“We are very excited to welcome the first Japanese company into the Powered by CARB-X portfolio, strengthening the global fight against drug-resistant bacteria. Shionogi’s commitment to antibacterial innovation and its reputation for research excellence bodes well for this new collaboration,” said Kevin Outterson, Executive Director of CARB-X. “The world urgently needs innovative approaches, like the Shionogi project, to protect us from drug-resistant bacteria. The projects in the CARB-X portfolio are in the early stages of research, and there is always a risk of failure. But if successful, they hold great potential to treat serious infections and to save lives.”
Takeshi Shiota, Senior Vice President Pharmaceutical Research Division, at Shionogi, said: “We are most honored to be chosen as the first Japanese company to partner with CARB-X. CARB-X support for antibacterial innovation is essential in accelerating the development of this drug to combat multi-drug-resistant bacteria. For over 50 years, Shionogi, as a research-driven pharmaceutical company, has developed and commercialized innovative oral and parenteral anti-infectives. We hope this collaboration opens new pages of our history.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CRE bacteria represent a significant public health threat, are difficult to treat due to high levels of antibiotic resistance and are associated with high mortality. During the last decade, there has been a global increase in the incidence and prevalence of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria are highly transmissible and have the potential to cause outbreaks in health care settings.