Summit Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
https://www.summittxinc.com/

SMT026738 (SMT-738)
FIRST-IN-CLASS ANTIBIOTIC
MDR Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Summit’s SMT-738 is the first of a novel class of antibiotics with a new mechanism of action that acts via the bacterial target, LolCDE. Combining a novel antibiotic class (SMT-738) with a clinically unexploited target (LolCDE) is thought to mitigate the risk of pre-existing resistance. The new drug could potentially allow for the effective treatment of Enterobacteriaceae-caused infections that currently have very limited treatment options due to resistance or toxicity of available treatments. CRE are a family of bacteria that has been dubbed “Nightmare Bacteria” by health officials because they cause deadly infections that are difficult or impossible to treat, and spread rapidly. They can cause bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and hospital-acquired pneumonias. Some strains of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are resistant to all existing antibiotics. CRE bacteria are more likely to emerge in healthcare settings, and patients using devices such as catheters or recovering from surgery may be most vulnerable. SMT-738 was discovered using Summit’s proprietary technology, the Discuva Platform. The company expects to begin Phase 1 studies in 2023.

Current Development Stage: Preclinical

CARB-X Investment: Initial investment of up to $4.1m with potential option payments up to $3.7m.

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: January 1, 2021