Spexis AG Allschwil, Switzerland
www.spexisbio.com

OMPTA Thanatin Therapeutic

NOVEL CLASS ANTIBIOTIC TARGETING LPTA

Treatment of Enterobacteriaceae infections
Spexis (formerly known as Polyphor) is developing a novel thanatin-derivative antibiotic, discovered by the company and the University of Zurich. The therapeutic aims to break down the outer membrane of the bacteria, which serves as protective armor against the effects of antibiotics.  Specifically, the antibiotic works on a novel target, an essential transport mechanism used by Gram-negative bacteria called the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transport protein A (LptA). This class of antibiotics show potent and specific antimicrobial activity against Enterobacteriaceae, including extremely drug-resistant strains. Enterobacteriaceae are a large family of different types of bacteria that commonly cause infections, including urinary tract infections and pneumonia, in healthcare settings. Examples include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae and others resistant to nearly all antibiotics. The CARB-X award will support the optimization of thanatin derivatives towards improved activity and drug-like properties.

Current Development Stage: Lead optimization

CARB-X Investment: Initial investment of up to $2.62m, with potential option payments up to $15.82m.

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: August 1,  2020