This 3-year Phase II SBIR Application focuses on advancing the lead ?ultra-broad-spectrum? carbapenem (USBC) VNRX-4099, possessing an unprecedented antibacterial spectrum of activity including MRSA, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to IND filing status. The UBSC VNRX-4099 will be paired with a proprietary in-house ?-lactamase inhibitor VNRX-5133 (BLI) to protect against resistance by Ambler Class A, B and D carbapenemase-producing Gram negatives. In parallel, a discovery effort will be executed to identify a fast follower and/or chemically-diverse back-up UBSC that could be advanced into IND-enabling studies if required. Ultimately, it is envisioned that this new combination product will provide a unique clinical option for empiric therapy of multi-drug resistant polymicrobial infections in the hospital general ward and ICU, and as a second line therapy for susceptible organisms.

Public Health Relevance

We are developing a Preclinical Candidate from a new class of ultra-broad spectrum carbapenems with activity that extends to MRSA, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The compound will be paired with a proprietary ?-lactamase inhibitor with activity that extends to all Ambler classes of carbapenemases. This combination promises to be a powerful new single-treatment option against problematic, multi-drug resistant pathogens.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44AI120392-05
Application #
9851785
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Xu, Zuoyu
Project Start
2015-06-15
Project End
2021-01-31
Budget Start
2020-02-01
Budget End
2021-01-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2020
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Venatorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
962754037
City
Malvern
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19355