Microbion Corporation said that it has received a grant worth up to $11.5 million from global non-profit CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) and a grant worth up to $5.6 million from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) for pre-clinical and Phase 1 development of its pravibismane inhalation suspension for the treatment of pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The FDA recently granted orphan drug designation to Microbion’s pravisbimane for that indication.
According to CARB-X, this is the first time the organization has provided funding for development of an inhaled antibiotic for the treatment of chronic lung infections. Microbion will receive up to $6.1 million in the initial grant; an additional amount up to $5.4 million will be available if the company meets certain milestones.
CARB-X Chief of R&D Erin Duffy commented, “Microbion’s new class of anti-infective represents a novel drug that has shown potent activity against antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens and the biofilms these pathogens produce. Microbion’s pravibismane, if successful and eventually approved for use in patients, has the potential to be a critical new weapon in the fight against chronic and resistant infections.”
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Chief Scientific Officer William Skach said, “Infection is a top concern of both patients and CF clinicians and remains a leading cause of lung function loss among people living with cystic fibrosis. As people with CF increasingly combat chronic infections and antibiotic resistance, now, more than ever before, we need novel, safe and effective anti-infectives.”
Microbion Chairman Karim Lalji responded, “We are grateful for this significant support from CARB-X and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to investigate inhaled pravibismane as a novel approach for the management of chronic respiratory and antibiotic-resistant infections. Beyond their investment, these organizations’ expertise in antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly those associated with CF, will prove valuable to advancing our technology as part of a much-needed solution to address the chronic and intractable infections that are a hallmark of CF.”
Read the Microbion press release.
Read the CARB-X press release.
Read the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation press release.
