Peptilogics, Pittsburgh, USA
www.peptilogics.com

zaloganan-CR
ENGINEERED PEPTIDE TO TREAT FRACTURE-RELATED INFECTIONS

Peptilogics is developing its slow-release formulation of a novel, broad-spectrum therapeutic, zaloganan-CR, an engineered peptide intended for use in preventing infection after high-energy-traumatic bone injuries. Zaloganan-CR, a controlled-release formulation of zaloganan, represents a unique approach to prevent fracture-related infections (FRIs) due to its rapid broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and an ability to present supra-inhibitory concentrations directly at the site of contamination.

This is the second award Peptilogics has received from CARB-X. Beginning in 2020, CARB-X supported the project through preclinical testing and demonstration of safety in a first-in-human study in patients with prosthetic joint infections. The new award aims at extending the therapeutic use of zaloganan with an optimized formulation in a new and underserved indication, broadening the utility of the product.

Despite progress in infection control and systemic antimicrobial therapies, up to 40% of severe traumatic fracture-related injuries become infected. These FRIs can be biofilm-based, particularly on hardware and bone, increasing the resistance to standard antibiotic treatment and making progression to blood stream infection (BSI) more likely. BSIs linked to contaminated fractures with soft tissue injury remain a significant contributor to patient morbidity and mortality and lead to significantly increased healthcare costs. Every year, nearly one billion people sustain traumatic injuries, many of which result in wounds with high susceptibility for contamination and infection, such as open fractures, lacerations, and burns. Successful treatment is particularly challenging in low- and middle-income countries, such as India, where there are 14.1 million acute wounds and 4.5 million open fractures treated annually.

Current Development Stage: Lead Optimization

CARB-X Investment: US$3.3M

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: January 9, 2025