Infex and JLU Secure £1m Grant for BamA Inhibitor Development
Deal News | Feb 18, 2025 | Catapult Ventures Group
Infex Therapeutics, a leader in anti-infectives, alongside Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (JLU), has been awarded a £1 million grant from PACE (Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy) to develop a pioneering BamA inhibitor. This new class of antimicrobial drugs targets multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting BamA, a key protein previously deemed undruggable. The grant will enable the optimization of manufacturing processes and progression of existing leads via a robust lead-optimization program, including DMPK and safety assessments. The teams aim to address serious global health threats by developing treatment options for MDR pathogens resistant to current antibiotics, notably combating complicated urinary tract infections. Excited by the partnership, leaders from Infex and JLU stress the project's potential in providing first-in-class treatments for antimicrobial resistance, while PACE supports advancing the project towards clinical application.
Sectors
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Infex Therapeutics is based in the UK and is a key participant in the article.
- Germany – Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, a key collaborator in the project, is located in Germany.
Industry
- Pharmaceuticals – The article involves the development of a novel BamA inhibitor drug targeting Gram-negative bacteria, a significant pharmaceutical advancement.
- Biotechnology – The collaboration focuses on creating a new class of antimicrobials, leveraging biotechnology to develop these innovative treatments.
Financials
- £1 million – Grant awarded by PACE to Infex and JLU for the development of a BamA inhibitor.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infex Therapeutics | Collaborating party developing BamA inhibitor | Company | Infex Therapeutics is a company specializing in the development of anti-infectives. |
| Justus-Liebig-University Giessen | Collaborating party in developing BamA inhibitor | Academic Institution | JLU is an educational institution in Germany collaborating with Infex on drug development. |
| PACE (Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy) | Funding provider for the BamA inhibitor project | Program | PACE provides funding and support for antimicrobial drug development projects. |
| Catapult Ventures Group | Private Equity firm associated with Infex Therapeutics | Company | Catapult Ventures Group is a private equity firm that has invested in Infex. |
| Dr. Peter Jackson | CEO of Infex Therapeutics | Person | Dr. Jackson leads Infex Therapeutics and oversees its strategic direction. |
| Dr. Till Schberle | Professor for Natural Product Research at JLU | Person | Dr. Schberle is involved in research and collaboration with Infex. |
| Dr. Clive Mason | Programme Director at PACE | Person | Dr. Mason leads the PACE program, providing oversight and support for funded projects. |