Inhibitors of carbapenemases

β-lactams are a commonly prescribed group of antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams and carbapenems. Carbapenems are the last β-lactams that are active against virtually all Gram-negative pathogens, but the situation is changing due to spread of carbapenemases. ANTABIO is engaged in the discovery of clinically-relevant inhibitors of carbapenemases. Our company has identified a clear starting point for drug design and has a robust plan to deliver a suitable drug candidate. Such a drug will partner antibiotics for them to regain their activity against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens, including the NDM-1 superbugs.

Inhibitors of virulence

ANTABIO’s second technological focus is based on the antivirulence mode of action, which could be summarized as “disarming” pathogenic bacteria. By blocking virulence, bacteria lose both their infectivity and their ability to defend themselves. Infections can be cleared more efficiently by the immune system and by conventional antibacterial agents. Infections can also be prevented in patients at risk (e.g. undergoing catheterization) or in case of a microbial terrorist attack. Thanks to a proprietary screening platform to isolate small antivirulence molecules, ANTABIO has identified a series of compounds that fit the requirements of drug-likeness and tractability. The screening is the beginning of a critical path of biology and chemistry interplay aimed at characterizing preclinical leads ready for testing in man.